Empowering Christian Communities: Greek and Armenian Endowments in the Ottoman Empire

Abstract Despite the significant role of the waqf institution in Islamic societies, research has not yet fully explained the complex structure of waqfs . This study aims to contribute to the field by examining the waqf activities and practices of non-Muslims through a literature review and archival sources. The study seeks to reveal the impact of legal practices and the socio-economic characteristics of the Galata region on the established waqfs and to analyze the fundamental characteristics of these waqfs . Furthermore, the relationships between Christians in Galata and Muslim sharia courts, as well as their motivations for approaching these courts, are examined. By the conclusion of the study, the goal is to illustrate how waqfs facilitated the legal and social cohesion of the Ottoman Empire’s diverse multicultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. Therefore, the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of how the Ottoman legal system affected non-Muslims and contributed to the social solidarity of dhimmi s. Additionally, it explores how Christians used waqf s to support their community members and places of worship.