World Heritage Site:
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
Publication Year:
2016
Publication Type:
Article
Publication Identifier:
WHE12F699A52A
Summary
Ottoman-era waqf (endowments) documents from Hebron reveal a systematic legal framework that historically secured Muslim ownership and protected holy sites, offering potential solutions to contemporary disputes. The study analyzes title deeds from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, demonstrating how waqfs allocated resources for maintenance, salaries, and community support—similar to practices in Mecca and Medina—while maintaining continuity through the Ottoman period. These records could serve as a foundation for legal claims regarding Muslim-held areas and sacred places, addressing modern challenges such as Jewish settlements and property damages post-occupation. By reconstructing waqf histories, the research provides evidence to support Palestinian Muslims' rights while contributing to broader discussions on the preservation of Islamic heritage.
Citation
Güler, M. (2016). THE ROLE OF THE OTTOMAN VAQFS IN THE SOLUTION OF THE ISSUE OF HEBRON WITH A FAVOR OF MUSLIMS. Osmanlı Medeniyeti Araştırmaları Dergisi, 2(2), 27. https://doi.org/10.21021/osmed.58089