Foundation Week

Vakıflar Haftası is an official and academic event held annually in May in Türkiye to emphasize the historical significance of the vakıf institution and to introduce its social and cultural functions.^【1】

The term vakıf is of Arabic origin and in dictionaries it conveys meanings such as cessation, restriction of movement, and complete dedication. In technical terms, a vakıf is the permanent dedication by an individual of movable or immovable property, for religious, charitable, or social purposes, in accordance with the will of God. In the vakıf system, buildings and institutions directly provided for public benefit are termed "hayrat," while the income sources ensuring the continuity of these services are called "akarat." Economically, a vakıf is a juridical entity representing a collection of assets transferred from private ownership to the category of social ownership.^【2】

According to historical records, the origins of vakıf institutions extend back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the construction of the Kaaba al-Muazzama.^【3】The beginning of vakıf practices based on Islamic law is generally recognized as the act of Prophet Umar (may God be pleased with him), who, after the conquest of Khaybar, dedicated his share of the land in perpetuity for the benefit of the poor, slaves, and travelers. The earliest known example of the vakıf system in Anatolia was established in 1048 by the Seljuks in the Pasinler district of Erzurum.^【4】

For a long time in the Ottoman State, vakıfs were managed independently under their own endowment deeds by mutawallis and nazirs. To consolidate the fragmented vakıf administration into a centralized structure, the Evkaf-ı Hümayun Nezareti was established in 1826 by Sultan Mahmud II. During this period, vakıfs were classified into three main categories: evkaf-ı kadîme, evkaf-ı irsâdiyye, and evkaf-ı sahiha-i lazime. Over time, the Haremeyn vakıfs and those linked to various state officials were also incorporated into the administration. The most comprehensive legal regulation concerning provincial vakıf administration was enacted in 1863 and remained in force until 1936.^【5】

During the Republican period, vakıfs were regarded as a vital national asset and preserved in accordance with the goal of social solidarity. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasized that the vakıf institution must be rescued from decay and made beneficial to the nation, adapting it to the needs of the time. In line with this approach, between 1922 and 1923, 126 mosques, 31 madrasas and schools, and numerous akar structures were repaired. Furthermore, urgent restoration orders were issued for historical monuments such as the Karatay Medrese and İnce Minareli Cami in Konya to ensure their preservation through scientific methods.^【6】The administrative structure was transformed from the Şer'iyye ve Evkaf Vekâleti, established in 1921, into a general directorate under the Prime Ministry in 1924.^【7】

Vakıflar Haftası is observed to introduce the functions of vakıf institutions to society and to foster a spirit of mutual aid. In Türkiye, this event was celebrated during the first week of December from 1981 to 2000; since 2001, it has been held annually during the second week of May (May 8–14).^【8】Throughout the week, various cultural activities and events are organized to sustain the vakıf tradition. The theme designated for the 2023 celebrations was "Messengers of the Trust."^【9】

General Directorate of Vakıfs was attached to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2018 by Presidential Decree.^【10】 The institution’s mission is to preserve, develop, and transmit vakıfs in accordance with the intentions of their founders. ^【11】 Today, the General Directorate represents and administers 52,000 abandoned vakıfs inherited from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods whose administrators have ceased to exist. The institution also carries out the registration and oversight of newly established vakıfs.^【12】

Vakıf hayrat structures are classified into four main categories: religious, educational, health, and social institutions. In addition to mosques and madrasas, this encompasses a broad network of services including darüşşifas, imarets, caravanserais, bridges, libraries, and water supply systems. Today, in addition to restoring historical monuments, vakıfs provide scholarships to students and offer monthly stipends and food aid to needy citizens. Furthermore, vakıf universities such as Bezmiâlem Valide Sultan and Fatih Sultan Mehmet continue their operations in higher education.^【13】