Cash waqfs of Greece and Bulgaria in the Ottoman Empire from a comparative perspective, 1544–1912

This study undertakes a comparative analysis of cash waqfs situated in Greek and Bulgarian provinces from 1544 to 1912. Specifically, this study examines the socioeconomic standing of founders and capital levels using cash waqf deeds (waqfiyya). The newly compiled dataset permits the identification of changes in capital levels over time, as well as provides insights into the expansion of cash waqfs from a long-term perspective. This study is centred on the provinces of Bulgaria and Greece, two of the most significant economic regions of the Ottoman Empire in Rumelia, and explores their economic and social histories through credit institutions. The results indicate that cash waqfs in Greece had higher capital levels than those in Bulgaria, even though both experienced a decline in capital levels on average over the long term.