Sadrazam Ayas Paşa'nın Vakfiyeleri ve Bir Sınırnâmesi

Abstract

This article is concerned with three deeds of trust (vakfiyes)  and a  bound- ary  deed  (sınırnâme)  drawn  up  by  Ayas  Paşa,  who  served  as  the  Grand Vezir  of Kanûnî Sultan Süleyman in the years 1536-1539.  With this objective in mind, the article provides information extracted from the previously unstudied extant copies of Ayas Paşa’s deeds of trust (vakfiyes) which have been discovered in various archives. By focusing on these deeds of trust (which are written in Arabic), the article seeks to examine the specific charitable works endowed by Ayas Paşa, while also discussing the general framework of such pious endowment charters. The properties and goods bequeathed by Ayas Paşa to his pious foundations, and their locations throughout the Ottoman polity are likewise discussed. In addition, the staff of his pious founda- tions, their duties and their salaries are among the important points mentioned in the deeds of trust. The article also covers data which would enable readers to gain an idea about the extent of Ayas Paşa’s wealth, his investments, and overall economic importance, as they are reflected in his deeds of trust (vakfiyes).