Cash waqfs (CWs) and financing of education at Ottoman Eexperience

Abstract

Cash Waqfs (CWs) is referred for the waqfs that have cash as capital. These waqfs were also established like other waqfs for specific purposes. The cash that is capital of waqf is operated by Islamic methods. The revenue derived from these methods are spent for the establishment purposes of waqf. The most important feature of CWs is that they are standing up with operations of the cash as capital not with rental income as real estate waqfs. Madrasas that were one of the main institutions of the Ottoman educational system were obtaining their needs from waqfs. Apart from this, the madrasas that were accepting aid from the state and the philanthropists –even the Sultan- if there was need had become institutions that contribute the development of human capital of the Ottoman State. Moreover, schools, libraries and other education institutions were also supported by waqfs. In this study, the financial support of CWs to education system, especially founded in Rumelia, that contributed the growth of scholars and state officials will be investigated.