Sadrazam Ayas Paşa'nın Vakfiyeleri ve Bir Sınırnamesi

Abstract

 This article is concerned with three deeds of trust (vakfiyes) and a boundary deed (sinirnâme) drawn up by Ayas Pasa, who served as the Grand Vezir of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman in the years 1536-1539. With this objective in mind, the article provides information extracted from the previously unstudied extant copies of Ayas Pasa’s deeds of trust (vakfiyes) which have been discovered in various archives. By focusing on these deeds of trust (which are written in Arabic), the article seeks to examine the specific charitable works endowed by Ayas Pasa, while also discussing the general framework of such pious endowment charters. The properties and goods bequeathed by Ayas Pasa to his pious foundations, and their locations throughout the Ottoman polity are likewise discussed. In addition, the staff of his pious foundations, their duties and their salaries are among the important points mentioned in the deeds of trust. The article also covers data which would enable readers to gain an idea about the extent of Ayas Pasa’s wealth, his investments, and overall economic importance, as they are reflected in his deeds of trust (vakfiyes)