This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
The endowment deed dated 1476, established by Muzaffer Çelebi, son of Hızır Beğ of Kayseri, is recorded in the Ottoman Archives of the Prime Ministry in Istanbul under file number 17 and folder number 32 in the Endowment Deeds Catalogue. The document bears the date of Evail-i Ramazan 880, corresponding to January 1476. A copy of the same endowment deed is also preserved in the Archives of the Directorate of Endowments’ Cultural Registration Department in Ankara. The date recorded for the Ankara copy is Evail-i Ramazan 1080 (23–30 January 1670).
The original dimensions of the endowment deed are 30 x 100 cm. Written in a mixed script between Rik’a and Nesih, the document is entirely composed in Arabic.
The introductory section of the deed includes Quranic verses and prophetic hadiths emphasizing the importance of establishing an endowment. After listing the endowed properties, the conditions set forth by the founder are recorded. At the end of the deed, the names of the witnesses present during its drafting are listed. The Quranic verses and hadiths cited in the deed indicate that it is not related to the construction of a mosque or mosque complex. Consequently, the nature of this deed is understood to be that of an “Evladlık Vakfı” (Patrilineal Endowment). In comparisons with other endowed properties, while the locations mentioned are identified as endowed, there is no record specifying to which institution or purpose these properties were assigned. As the original endowment deed, this document provides detailed information regarding the names mentioned and the endowed properties.
The endowment possesses the nature of an “Evladlık Vakfı.” These are endowments whose revenues are designated for specific generations of the founder or his family. This indicates that the primary objective of the endowment was to benefit the founder’s descendants.
The endowment deed is recorded in two different archives—the Ottoman Archives of the Prime Ministry and the Archives of the Directorate of Endowments—each with differing dates. The document in the Prime Ministry’s Ottoman Archives bears the date of Evail-i Ramazan 880 (January 1476), whereas the copy in the Directorate of Endowments’ Archives in Ankara is dated Evail-i Ramazan 1080 (23–30 January 1670). It has been suggested that this significant discrepancy may stem from a misreading of the Arabic date section of the deed. The identical content of both documents strengthens the likelihood of this misreading.
Comparative studies have been conducted using Kayseri Tapu-Tahrir Registers from the 16th century regarding the endowed properties. These comparisons confirm the existence and locations of some properties mentioned in the deed, yet in certain cases, no additional record exists in the Tapu-Tahrir Registers specifying to which institution these properties were assigned. For instance, while the entire Cüneyd Viranı mezares in Hasan Alp village is stated to have been endowed, the Tapu-Tahrir Registers contain no detailed information regarding the purpose or beneficiary of this endowment. However, records indicate that half of the malikâne income from Alagöz village—amounting to 1589 akçe—was later endowed to the Hacı Davut Zaviyesi; the fate of the other half is not recorded in the Tapu-Tahrir Registers. Such comparisons reveal the extent to which the information in the endowment deed aligns with official records of the period and whether it provides supplementary details.
The endowment was established by Muzaffer Çelebi, son of the late Hızır Beğ of Kayseri. The document specifically notes that Muzaffer Çelebi’s grandfather was known as “Tâc-ı Kızıl.” This designation indicates that the founder’s lineage traces back to a prominent and distinguished historical figure.
The figure identified in the endowment deed as Muzaffer Çelebi’s grandfather, “Tâc-ı Kızıl,” was a historical personality whose name is borne by a neighborhood and a mosque (Sasık Mosque) in Kayseri. In Şemseddin Ahmed el-Eflâkî el-Arifî’s work “Menâkibü'l-Arifîn,” he is referred to as “Zahireddin.” According to these sources, the real name of Tâc-ı Kızıl is understood to be Esen Kutluğ.
Esen Kutluğ, known as Tâc-ı Kızıl, was one of the prominent emirs during the reign of Olcayto Han (Ulcaytu) of the Mongol Ilkhanate. Believed to be of Uyghur Turkic origin, Esen Kutluğ was a powerful emir who governed Konya, one of the major cities of Anatolia at the time. Although Olcayto converted to Shi’ism, Esen Kutluğ maintained his own religious affiliation, a stance that was met with admiration. After Olcayto Han’s death in 1316, Esen Kutluğ was appointed governor of Khorasan by the new Ilkhanid ruler, Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan. Esen Kutluğ’s death in 1318 deeply saddened Abu Sa'id Han.
Esen Kutluğ’s son, Emir Mahmud, was known by the title “Zahireddin.” In 1329, he was appointed as Emir of Anatolia, succeeding Uryat Muhammad. During his tenure, he commissioned the construction of a large mosque (Ulu Cami) in the Sarımsaklı nahiye of Bünyan, a district subordinate to Kayseri. In 1333, upon the appointment of Sheikh Hasan Celayir as governor of Anatolia, Emir Zahireddin Mahmud was summoned to the central administration and likely brought Eretna with him, who would later play a role in the foundation of the Eretna Beylik. These details demonstrate that Muzaffer Çelebi’s family had deep-rooted historical ties and significant connections in Kayseri and its surroundings.
In this endowment deed from Kayseri, Muzaffer Çelebi endowed various properties and sources of income. These endowed properties were located both within the urban center of Kayseri and in surrounding rural areas.
According to the deed, half of the income from Sarımsaklı village (today known as Bünyan), subordinate to Kayseri, was endowed. The boundaries of the village are described in detail: bounded by Eğriyel Burnu, the Kayapınar River, the Ebi'l-Hindi boundary, the Ibn-i Vebibe tomb, Ulubürüngüz village, Baniler mezaresi, Çukurviran mezaresi, Gergeme village, Yanız Öküz mezaresi, and a road. According to 16th-century Tapu-Tahrir Registers, nearly half of the population of Sarımsaklı village consisted of non-Muslims. It is also recorded that the water from Kayapınar within the village was exempt from taxation.
The deed also states that the entire Cüneyd Viranı mezaresi in Hasan Alp village, located between Erkilet and Bozgat (Yorgat) villages, was endowed. However, no record exists in the Tapu-Tahrir Registers specifying the destination or purpose of this endowment. Similarly, half of Alagöz village was endowed. Records confirm that half of the malikâne income from Alagöz village—amounting to 1589 akçe—was later endowed to the Hacı Davut Zaviyesi; the fate of the other half is not recorded in the Tapu-Tahrir Registers.
Properties within the urban center of Kayseri were also endowed. These include the Sasık Mosque, named after the founder’s grandfather Tâc-ı Kızıl, and adjacent houses. Additionally, houses belonging to Muzaffer Çelebi’s father, Musa Beğ, located west of the Sultan Camii, were included in the endowment. Some vineyards in Sarımsaklı village are also listed among the endowed properties.
The endowment text also mentions that a new road was constructed in the village named by the founder. This indicates that the endower not only endowed existing properties but also engaged in charitable works by constructing new infrastructure.
This endowment deed clearly outlines a series of conditions regarding the operation, administration, and permanence of the endowment. These stipulations aim to ensure the endowment’s continued adherence to the founder’s intentions over the long term.
The deed specifies who shall assume responsibility for the administration of the endowment, known as “tevliyet.” According to the terms, the first administrator (mütevellî) is the founder himself, Muzaffer Çelebi. After him, the administrative duty shall pass to the eldest and most respected male descendants of his lineage. In return for this responsibility, one-fifth (20%) of the endowment’s income is designated as the administrator’s fee. This provision ensures that the endowment’s management remains within the family and that the administrator receives a financial benefit.
The endowment deed emphasizes that this endowment is “müebbed” (eternal) and “sahih” (valid). It is explicitly stated that the endowed properties shall never be sold, gifted, mortgaged, inherited, or otherwise destroyed or altered. These provisions are designed to prevent deviation from the endowment’s purpose and to prohibit the misuse of its assets.
The endowment deed contains stern warnings against those who attempt to violate its conditions or dismantle the endowment. These warnings are not limited to legal penalties but are reinforced by religious references. The deed threatens those who seek to invalidate the endowment with verses from the Qur’an and the prophetic hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad. These religious references imply that violators will face severe punishment in the afterlife, thereby reinforcing the sanctity and inviolability of the endowment. The document’s drafting date is recorded as Evail-i Ramazan 880.
For legal validity and enforceability, an endowment deed must undergo official approval and be prepared in the presence of witnesses. This Kayseri endowment deed followed the standard procedures of its time and was drafted before numerous witnesses.
At the end of the endowment text, various approvals and seals authenticate the document’s official status and legal validity. These approvals strengthened the legal foundation of the endowment. Among those who approved the deed were prominent judges and officials of the period. The document was certified by Hafız Mehmed Emin, the Kadı of Kayseri. Additional approvals were provided by Abdullah Carullah-ı Resuli'd-din Ahmed Paşa, Ahmed b. Erseli (Kadı of Aksaray), el-Kadı Mehmed b. Mustafa, and Mustafa Yusuf el-mevlâ. These approvals indicate that the endowment deed was reviewed and deemed valid by multiple authoritative institutions.
The names of individuals who were present and served as witnesses during the drafting of the endowment deed are listed in detail. These witnesses attested to the authenticity of the document’s content and the founder’s intent. The witnesses include:
The explicit listing of each witness’s name confirms that the endowment deed was prepared in accordance with the legal standards of the period and enhances the document’s credibility. The presence of both witnesses and official approvals ensured the endowment’s continued validity in subsequent periods.
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Physical Characteristics and Language of the Document
General Content and Structure of the Endowment Deed
Nature of the Endowment and Historical Records
The “Evladlık Vakfı” Nature of the Endowment
Differences Between Different Historical Records and Possible Causes
Comparison with Tapu-Tahrir Registers
The Founder and His Family
Muzaffer Çelebi’s Lineage: Tâc-ı Kızıl (Esen Kutluğ)
Historical Information and Role of Tâc-ı Kızıl
Esen Kutluğ’s Son, Emir Zahireddin Mahmud, and His Activities
Endowed Properties and Regions
Endowments in and Around Sarımsaklı (Bünyan) Village
Endowments in Hasan Alp and Alagöz Villages
Endowments in the City of Kayseri
Endowment Conditions and Stipulations
Administration (Tevliyet) Conditions and Revenue Sharing
Permanence, Inalienability, and Non-Transferability of the Endowment
Warnings and Threats Against Violators of the Endowment (Based on Quranic Verses and Hadiths)
Approval Process and Witnesses of the Endowment
Official Approvals and Seals
Witnesses to the Endowment Deed