17th century Bursa waqfs in terms of urbanisation, economy and social life

In this study, the situation of foundations established in Bursa in 17th Century, in various aspects has been examined. In this context, the geographical and chronological distribution of Foundations, income sources and economical structure, founders of foundations according to their social status quo and sexuality together with service field and objectives, directed by these foundations, have constituted the parts and the objectives of this study.The foundations during Ottoman Era carried out their activities in all the fields which the society required. In accordance with deed of trust of a pious foundation, a lot of foundations in different type and quality have been established in Bursa in 17th Century by people (the ones those reflected to the deeds, there were 811 foundations). These are in a distributed situation in the city, in such a way that almost in all the districts one or more than one foundation was established in 17th Century. These foundations contributed a lot in carrying out a lot of social services in public, municipality, social, cultural, commercial, education and religion field and institutions of the city. From these those established related with religious service, such as to meet the expenditures of temple, mosque, dervish lodges, came forward in 17th Century Bursa. Another significant aspect that draws attention is the abundance of ?pious foundation out of whose accrued income extraordinary taxes and other expenses of a district were paid?.The majority of the people who established foundations in Bursa were constituted mainly by the women ?who belong to palace? and state officers that were called as ?military class?. Persons, such as tradesman, merchant and people whose professions are not known from the public, have established foundations. In accordance with this information, in Bursa in meeting the various requirements of the city and the society, there has been a common and conscious study of all groups, from administrators to public, from men to women. The people of the city, contributed to the social and cultural life and public improvement of the city by establishing foundation.Almost all groups of the public of the district, such as the poor, the slaves, freed, passengers who come and go by, students of schools and Muslim theological schools, travelers and merchants have taken advantage.Founders of the foundations, devoted houses, rooms, shops, inns, public baths central building in the covered Bazaar, money, agricultural field in the vicinity of the city, farm, mill and gardens to provide income to their foundatios.Key Words1.Ottoman State2.Bursa3.Waqf4.Institutions5.17th Century