Author/Authors :
DİNÇ, Güven Akdeniz Üniversitesi - Edebiyat Fakültesi - Tarih Bölümü, Turkey , ÇELİK, Cemil Akdeniz Üniversitesi - Edebiyat Fakültesi - Tarih Bölümü, Turkey
Abstract :
Literally, the waqf words means to stop, contain or to preserve and it is a system in Islamic law. In shari ah, a waqf is a voluntary, permanent, irrevocable dedication of a portion of ones wealth - in cash or kind - to Allah. Needs of communities determine the type of waqf. Cyprus is located in semi-arid climatic zone. In addition to this, water resources are limited in the island. Therefore, in Cyprus a large number of water vaqfs were established. The first founders of the waqf in the island were benefactor of high state official, such as Sultan Selim II, Lala Mustafa Pasha, Haydar Pashazade Mehmet Bey, Arap Ahmet Pasha, Pertev Pasha, Ağa Jafar Pasha. Not only fairly admisitrated the governer of the island such as Jafar Pasha, Abu Bakr Pasha, Mustafa Pasha but also endeavored to supply the water needs of the people, by establishing water waqf. Besides, wealthy people of the island made donations to maintain the existing the water waqfs. Some of them made contribute to the waqf for using the waterways. It is also revealed that Cyprus water waqfs resembles other water waqfs in the country. The aims of this study are; to evaluate the importance of the water in Cyprus during the Ottoman period and the efforts of governers of Cyprus related to the water; to reveal the founders of the water waqfs and supporters the water waqfs existing in the island, and the events of the water waqfs. In addition to this, to complete deficiency of the matter of water waqfs within the history of the Cyprus waqfs is aimed.
NaturalLanguageKeyword :
Cyprus , waqf , water , water waqfs , waterways , Nicosia
