Ottoman Awqaf in Islamicjerusalem at the end of the 18th Century

Following the annexation of Bayt al-Maqdis to the Ottoman State by Sultan Selim I, former Islamic Waqf foundations were preserved and to ensure their continued existence they were meticulously registered. In addition, to fulfil the needs of that time period and to continue the operations of charitable work, new rich Awqaf were endowed and established. To ensure the sustainability of these Waqf foundations administrative and economic measures were taken. One of the areas were many Awqaf were allocated during the Ottoman period, besides the two other religious centres, was Bayt al-Maqdis. They were allocated for the staff serving within its holy places as well as to those in need. These Awqaf, which can be analysed under three different systematic classifications, have largely preserved their existence throughout the Ottoman period and have preserved their actual existence until the end of the First World War and documentary evidence are still present to this day. This study will primarily make use of the archival records in Turkey relating to this period as well as the Sharia Court Registers of Bayt al-Maqdis. This will be as of the last quarter of the 18th century, where the economic activities of the Waqf, the contributions made by the people of the city and the centralised arrangements and appointments made in Istanbul will be discussed. In addition to the allocations of Waqf via the Sultani Surre distributed to those residing in the city