Cash Waqf Formation in Sarajevo, 1526-1921: A Temporal Analysis

Abstract

This study conducts a quantitative investigation of the temporal fluctuations in cash waqf formation within the Ottoman context, employing a long-term perspective. By examining the cash waqf deeds (waqfiyya) of Sarajevo, this study reveals a decline in the real capital levels of cash waqfs over time. The results further indicate that titled individuals and males were more inclined to participate in cash waqf formation than commoners and females were. In terms of services financed by cash waqfs, religious services held a larger share than the other services. Education and support for the poor were notable components of services financed by Sarajevo cash waqfs, whereas commercial facilities and infrastructure investments had lower shares of all services. The study also contributes to the ongoing debate on the emergence of family waqfs, revealing that although family waqfs were present within the institutional framework, their capital levels were relatively lower than those of non-family waqfs.