Waqf, Health, and Education in Iran and the Ottoman Empire Publisher



Karimi M ; Hasheminejad SA ; Ahansazan H
Source: Journal of Research on History of Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

A review of credible academic sources and historical documents reveals that waqf served as a fundamental socio-economic mechanism that facilitated the establishment, funding, and sustainability of hospitals and medical schools in Iran and the Ottoman Empire. While both empires used waqf to create self-sufficient and sustainable healthcare infrastructure, significant differences exist in the scale of the institutions and the roles of key patrons. The Ottoman system, exemplified by the grand Suleymaniye Complex and the prominent involvement of court women as waqf patrons, highlights a more centralized and bureaucratic approach. In contrast, Iranian examples from the Ilkhanate (1256-1356 C.E.) period to the Qajar (1796-1925 C.E.) era reflect remarkable initiatives that were often less centralized, driven by powerful viziers and individual benefactors. This study underscores that waqf was not merely a charitable act, but a dynamic and vital institution for social and scientific advancement. It ensured the continuity of medical services and educational activities, independent of the political and economic fluctuations of governments. © Journal of Research on History of Medicine.