The foundations of Ebubekir Pasha in Cyprus (1748-1878)

In the Ottoman Empire, foundations were institutions established through the voluntary donation of personal wealth by individuals, aimed at providing services for the benefit of the public. These institutions offered significant benefits to the state in religious, educational, economic, political, and cultural spheres. The focus of this study is the foundations established by Ebubekir Pasha, who held the rank of vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730) and Mahmud I (1730–1754), during his tenure as governor of Cyprus. Ebubekir Pasha established foundations on the island to serve the welfare of the Cypriot people and donated sources of income to ensure the continuity of these foundations.This study examines the purposes for which Ebubekir Pasha established the Cyprus foundations, the conditions related to the endowed properties, the foundation officials and their salaries, the administration of the foundations, and the responsibilities of their administrators. Additionally, detailed information is provided on the real estate endowed to cover the expenses required to sustain the foundations, the allocation of the foundations' revenues, and how the properties were utilized. The structure, functioning, and evolution of these foundation institutions over time are also explored. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of water foundations, which played a crucial role in addressing Cyprus's water problems during that period. This research covers the period beginning with Ebubekir Pasha's appointment as governor of Cyprus in 1748 and extends to 1878.