Waqf Services of Urfa Mosques in the Ottoman Period in the Light of Waqfiyyas

Many waqfs were established in Urfa during the Ottoman period by both local philanthropists and pashas who served in this region. It is certain that these waqfs, which were established as a manifestation of the principle of “racing towards good deeds” in Islamic tradition, have the biggest share in reconstruction of the city and meeting the social needs of its citizens. One of the most important service areas of waqfs, contributing in many fields from transportation to trade, from education to health, has been mosques and masjids. This article focuses on the services carried out by waqfs such as the construction, maintenance, repair, cleaning, lighting of mosques and the employment of the personnel needed to perform their functions, based on the information in waqfiyyas