Pious endowments and land in seventeenth century Ottoman Empire : the Vakf of Şeyhülislam Feyzullah Efendi

Abstract

Within the context of land system and transformation of property relations in the Ottoman State, this study is an analysis and evalution of the primary sources belonging to the vakfs of Şeyhülislam Feyzullah Efendi which are avaliable in the Archives of General Directorate of Foundations. While focusing on the vakfs of Şeyhülislam Feyzullah Efendi, I have discussed the primary sources related to the transformations of the land system in the late 17th century Ottoman Empire. In this manner, I have, firstly, attempted to understand the political power of Feyzullah Efendi and then, analyse and evaluate his vakfiyes and temliknames which are important in the context of Ottoman land system.