Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D. in Iranian Islamic History, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Iranian Studies Foundation, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This study aims to examine the types, functions, and purposes of endowments (waqf) established by provincial officials in the Mazandaran region during the Qajar period. It employs a qualitative content analysis approach to investigate historical documents, specifically endowment deeds composed by a group of Qajar officials in Mazandaran. Among these endowers, four were sartīp (brigadiers), three sardār (generals), three khān (chieftains), two beglarbegī (provincial governors), one kalāntar (mayor), and one mostowfī (financial officer). The endowments they established exhibit considerable diversity in type, including land, caravanserais, shops, pastures, gardens, qanats, coffeehouses, fortresses, and mansions—demonstrating the use of a broad range of assets for philanthropic purposes.
The designated uses of these endowments were equally varied and included religious mourning ceremonies, sustenance for the descendants of the endower, assistance to the poor, the sayyeds, and the destitute, as well as broader charitable and public-benefit activities. This diversity of functions reflects the religious motivations, social responsibility, and attentiveness of the endowers to the multifaceted needs of their communities.
In terms of chronological distribution, 36% of the waqf deeds date to the reign of Nāṣer al-Dīn Shāh, 50% to Moẓaffar al-Dīn Shāh, and 14% to Aḥmad Shāh—highlighting the peak of endowment activity during the Moẓaffarid period. Geographically, the documents pertain to the cities of Sari, Nur, Barforush, Amol, Baladeh, Savadkuh, and Bandpey, with the greatest concentration found in Sari and Nur.
The findings of this study indicate that Qajar officials in Mazandaran played a significant role in the continuation and expansion of the waqf institution. By endowing diverse forms of property, they made meaningful contributions to addressing the social and religious needs of their time. The variety in the types and functions of waqf, along with their temporal and spatial distribution, offers a clear picture of the role of charitable endowments in the socio-political fabric of Mazandaran during the Qajar era.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)