On waqf institution and waqfs property in the Principality of Serbia 1830-1878: Legal and historical frame

Abstract

Institution of waqf in the Ottoman Empire was founded on the Balkan territories just after being conquered. Built on a waqf land, in accordance with Sharia Law, waqfs enjoyed special treatment. Waqfs immovable and movable property changed its status during their existence, but in a period of the Kingdom of Serbia, legal relations between waqfs and Serbian authorities became complicated, so it lasted until the Law of Islamic Community of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was issued in 1930. We can say that the history of waqfs in the Principality of Serbia followed the destiny of Muslim population in accordance with historical and legal changes in Ottoman Empire, having in mind Hattisherif of Gulhane being proclaimed, 1839, so struggle for national liberation from Ottomans started in the Balkan Peninsula. This work includes research about history of the institution of waqf and status of it in the Principality of Serbia 1830-1878 during the period of Ottoman Empire power stagnation.