Waqfs in Turkey: Transformation of the Traditional Institution

The monograph focuses on one of the most significant Islamic social institutions – waqf. This work represents the first comprehensive study of issues related to the operation of the waqf system in modern-day Turkey (1923–2008). Through a meticulous examination of a broad range of primary sources, the author analyzes the legal and actual status of waqfs during various stages of Turkish history. The study traces the overall trajectory of the development of the waqf institution from its inception in the 8th century until the present day and identifies potential directions for its future evolution, as well as the forms and extent of its influence on various aspects of Turkish society. 

The work also addresses specific subjects related to the implementation of Kemalist policies towards waqfs, as well as the role of waqfs in the re-Islamization process in Turkey. The book will be of interest to scholars and researchers working on socio-historical and political issues in Turkey and the Middle East. It will also be useful for economists, Islamic scholars, and anyone interested in the history, culture, and phenomena of Islamic charitable organizations in the Muslim East. The monograph may be of use to teachers and students in specialized universities, as well as to a broader audience interested in the subject of Islamic philanthropy, the history, and culture of the Muslim East.