A waqfiyya manuscript, Turkey, Ottoman, dated 938 AH/1531 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 166 leaves plus 6 flyleaves, 9 lines to the page, written in divani script in black ink, gold dots separating the text, key words picked out in gold, margins ruled in gold and black, various seal impressions, composite red morocco binding with tooled medallions and corner pieces, with flap

In good overall condition, occasional stains, smudges, light water staining, calligraphy generally bold and pages clean, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This manuscript, which records the waqf endowments of a member of the well-known Fenari family, serves as an interesting historical document from the period of Sultan Suleyman I ('The Magnificent', r.1520-66).

Folio 2b records the waqf in the name of Muhammad Ibn 'Ali al-Fenari, who was the chief judge of the European side of the Empire (rumeli). There are confirming signatures of the witnesses including 'Abd al-Salem Bey Ibn 'Abd al-'Ulam. The manuscript acts as a kind of compendium of beneficiaries of the waqf, and documents the sum raised in order to enable the building of a mosque and the income to be sent to the Haram-i Sharif. There is also an endowment made for a primary school connected to the mosque, and income for needy children. Also mentioned are properties set to benefit in Küçükçekmece (a suburb on the European side of Istanbul). There are a number of smaller waqfs, including endowments in Edirne and a madrasa in Silivri (a city on the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul), and to Aya Sofya. There are also prayers for the servants of the endowment.