Sadaka Stone

Charity stones are one of the important structures used during the Ottoman period to foster social solidarity. These stones reflect the culture of assisting those in need within society and form part of a system that enables mutual aid without compromising individual dignity. Found across Ottoman territories as common, charity stones stand out as a practice that encourages the open giving of charity while ensuring it is carried out with humility.

Example of a Charity Stone (Source: Sadaka Stone)

Function and Use of Charity Stones

Charity stones are typically stone structures, approximately one to two meters in height, shaped like column, made from marble or granite. A hollow compartment at the top holds cash donations. Sometimes, special compartments or similar spaces were provided alongside the stones for in-kind contributions. Most individuals in need took only the amount of money they required from the stone and refrained from taking more. This reflects the deeply rooted Ottoman values of contentment and generosity.

The absence of direct contact between the donor and the recipient was considered an important Erdem in Ottoman society. The donor did not know to whom they were giving, and the recipient did not know who had provided support. This situation ensured that assistance remained free from showiness while allowing those in need to receive aid without feeling shame.

Example of a Charity Stone (Source: Sadaka Stone)

The Role of Charity Stones in Ottoman Society

Charity stones were concentrated in specific areas within Ottoman city planning. They were commonly found in mosque courtyards, near tombs, at the entrances of fountain, madrasa and tekke such as endowment institutions. Charity stones were also erected in front of places such as the Miskinler Tekkesi in Üsküdar, which housed people in need. Additionally, charity stones were placed near cemeteries designated for executioners, who were stigmatized by their profession and often lived in poverty, relying on these stones to meet some of their basic needs.

While large-scale institutions such as foundations, soup kitchens, and the zakat system formed the backbone of Ottoman mutual aid, charity stones functioned as a more localized and personal mechanism of solidarity. As such, they encouraged assistance not only between the rich and the poor but also among individuals of similar social standing, serving as a vehicle.

Religious and Cultural Foundations of Charity Stones

In Islam, the concepts of sadaqa and infaq are regarded as acts of worship that contribute to social balance. Certain verses from the Quran-ı Kerim and the hadiths of Hz. Muhammad (wool) emphasize that charity should be given discreetly and without humiliating those in need. In this context, charity stones are regarded as one of the concrete of these religious and ethical principles within Ottoman society.

For example, verse 2:272 of the Bakara Sura states:

“You are not responsible for guiding them to the right path; it is However Allah who guides whom He wills. When you give something for the sake of goodness, its benefit returns to you. Your giving to the poor is solely for the sake of Allah’s pleasure. Whatever good you give will be multiplied for you, and you will not oppression see it.”

It is known that after the revelation of this verse, Hz. Prophet (sav) emphasized that charity should be given not only to Muslims but to anyone in need. The practice of charity stones in Ottoman society is a concrete manifestation of this universal spirit of mutual aid.

Example of a Charity Stone (Source: Sadaka Stone)

Main Locations of Charity Stones

Charity stones have survived to the present day in Istanbul and various cities of Anatolia. Some of these include:

• Süleymaniye Camii courtyard
• Entrance to Soğukçeşme Street, Ayasofya Camii
• Entrance to Karaköy Arap Camii
• Adjacent to Üsküdar Doğancılar İmrahor Camii
• Courtyard of Kocamustafapaşa Sümbül Efendi Camii
• Entrance to Fatih Mehmed Ağa Camii
• Lüleburgaz Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Camii
• Northeastern side of Sivas Kale Camii
• Yahyalı Ulu Camii, Kayseri
• Courtyard of Yozgat Çapanoğlu Camii

These structures provide important insights into the Ottoman social assistance system.

Charity Stones Today and Cultural Heritage

Charity stones have largely been forgotten or lost their functionality in the present day. Changing social and economic conditions have reduced the use of such traditional forms of mutual aid. Nevertheless, some municipalities and foundations are undertaking projects to revive the practice. It can be said that modern initiatives such as hanging bread or hanging coffee in various parts of the world operate on a logic similar to that of the charity stone system. However, Ottoman-era charity stones are seen as offering a more meticulous system in preserving the dignity of those receiving aid.