Türkiye Probate Records

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Registers of Endowed Properties [Arabic - Waqfiyāt]

Research use: This is one of the best sources of lineage linked genealogical information in Islamic society. These registers provide genealogical trees, family groups, and family lineage.

Record type: Accounts of land deeded to a mosque or charitable institution, the revenues of which are divided among the descendants of the donor. When there are no more descendants the revenues accrue to the institution.

Time period: 1400s to 1928.

Contents: Names of heirs, including even wives and daughters, over several generations.

Location: Most registers of Anatolia are at the Anthropological Museum in Ankara. Those of Istanbul are at the seat of the Mufti [Müftülük] in Istanbul. There may be additional repositories.

Population coverage: Less than 30%; pertain only to families with property.

Reliability: Excellent.