Rehabilitation of Waqf Foundation in Jerusalem during the Third and Fourth Decade of the Seventeenth Century (1620-1640)
Dr. Ibrahim Rabayeh, Dr. Mohammad Khateeb

Abstract
At the time were Judaization of Jerusalem targets all what express the history of this city materially or morally, it was necessary to disclose some historical facts on few Jerusalemite institutions and Foundations which reflects its civilized Arab roots, including but not limited to, the Waqf Foundation which has preserved life continuity in the city through long periods of time. Accordingly, this research aims at studying the real condition of Waqf (Religious endowment) in Jerusalem, at the first mid of the seventh century, being an expressive model of this foundation and its role during this Period. Upon perusing the archive resources, represented in the Ottoman Registers at the Sharia court of Jerusalem, it was obvious that they are abounding in information which describe the status which the Waqf Foundations have reached and therefore its impact on Jerusalem in general. In addition the research aims at revealing the significance of this Foundation at the time were Israel tries to control all its properties and to hinder its efforts to undermine it to become nonfunctioning, which make it easier to submit it to be under the Israeli control. Providing that undermining this Foundation means harming a large segment of Jerusalemites, particularly the poor and orphans, as well as the education process for which a considerable Waqf( endowment) was dedicated. In light of this, the research attempts to highlight the weaknesses and methods of reformation and rehabilitation used by Jerusalem governor for the advancement of foundations in Jerusalem, including reconstruction, renting and loans; In addition to the administrative organization under the wide spread of administrative flabbiness and chaos in Jerusalem particularly, and Levant in general, being the direct causes for undermining Waqfs. Moreover, the research highlighted the prominent achievements in patronage of Waqf; which shall be a rule model to be followed in this respect under the premeditated targeting by Israel.

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