Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D. in Iranian Islamic History, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Culture and Civilization of Iran, Iranology Foundation, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
This study examines the nature, functions, and objectives of endowments (waqf) established by state officials in the province of Mazandaran during the period of the Qajar dynasty (1210–1344 AH). By employing qualitative content analysis of surviving waqf deeds, the research seeks to uncover patterns in the types of endowed properties, their intended uses, and their temporal and spatial distribution. The study identifies fourteen waqf deeds created by officials holding various titles, including brigadier generals, sardars, khans, beglerbegis, a kalantar, and a mustawfi. The findings reveal considerable diversity in the types of endowed assets, including agricultural lands, shops, caravanserais, pastures, gardens, qanats, coffeehouses, castles, and residential buildings. These assets reflect the economic resources available to officials and their strategic use of productive property to ensure sustainable revenue streams. The purposes of the endowments were equally diverse, ranging from financing religious ceremonies—particularly mourning rituals for Imam Husayn—to supporting descendants, aiding the poor and needy, funding educational activities, and promoting public welfare. Temporal analysis shows that 36% of the endowments were established during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, 50% during Mozzafar al-Din Shah, and 14% during Ahmad Shah Qajar, indicating a peak in endowment activity during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Geographically, the highest concentration of waqf deeds is observed in the cities of Sari and Nur. Overall, the study demonstrates that state officials played a significant role in sustaining and expanding the waqf institution, contributing to the social, religious, and economic fabric of the region
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