XIX. century transformation of the Ottoman foundation institutions and the role of the foundations in social life: City of Kutahya case

In the Ottoman State, the modernization and centralization movements that started in the 19th century influenced traditional institutions in economic, administrative and military fields as well as foundation institutions. Instead of the traditional public services carried out by the foundations, reforms have been attempted to establish a modern and central system in this century. However, as a result of the reforms, modern institutions and traditional institutions co-existed and public services were carried out by both traditional and modern institutions throughout the century. During this timeframe, the State focused on modern institutions and transformed traditional institutions into modern institutions. In the study, the services carried out by foundations in the Ottoman State were examined though the lense of modern public service and were classified as educational, religious, municipal, economic and social services. Under these categories, it is mentioned that the public services, which are the duty of the state today, are carried out by foundations. The effects of the modernization and centralization on the foundations of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century were examined and the transformation process focusing on the City of Kütahya's foundations was investigated. Key Words: Public Service, Foundation, XIX. Century, Ottoman Foundations, Kütahya