Gemeinnütziger und gestifteter Brunnen des Sultans Ahmed III., Istanbul, Türkei - Stahlstich von Thomas Higham (1850) nach der Zeichnung von William Henry Bartlett, in: Pardoe, Julia, The beauties of the Bosphorus, Bd. 3, London 1839, Abb. 12, gemeinfrei.
Stiftungskultur in der islamischen Architektur: „Waqf“ als Mittel der sozialen Gerechtigkeit und gesellschaftlichen Nachhaltigkeit
The ‚Waqf‘ —a form of philanthropic, charitable endowment —is still regarded as an indispensable tool in the creation and preservation of architecture to this day. It is often considered a social institution, deeply rooted in the Orient for a long time. It enables the establishment and maintenance of mosques, schools, hospitals, bathhouses, and infrastructure, among others. Through this, architecture also promotes social justice and sustainable community development.
This semester, the course ‚Islamic Architecture‘ focuses on exploring the legal, theological, and economic foundations of ‚Waqf‘ and the analysis of urban and architectural works that have emerged from this practice.
The selected case studies primarily cover charitable institutions, from educational and health facilities to water management and infrastructure projects, which shaped the social space and public life in the historical cities of the Islamic world. In this context, examples from the 12th century to the mid-18th century are discussed with the spirit of the times, addressing the social and ethical conditions and consequences.
Lectures are followed by student presentations on selected topics, which not only deal with the historical dimension and current significance of ‚Waqf‘ but also assess sustainable justice in architecture.