Fukaraperver Asssociations in the Ottoman Empire As an Example of Social Solidarity

Abstract

Throughout history, people have used many ways to help those in need. The most well-known of those were to come together with other people and create aid societies for different parts of the society. These formations stood on religious sensitivities and the concern for the deterioration of social balance. Historical facts show that foundations, churches, and guilds were at the forefront of social assistance. The basic needs of the poor in the Ottoman Empire were met for a long time through these institutions. In the nineteenth century, charitable organizations emerged alongside churches and guilds, founded as non-governmental organizations. They began to carry out various activities to donate to the poor. Some of these organizations were international missionary associations organized in many parts of the world. Non-Muslim communities or artisans conducted other charities. Available data shows that in the nineteenth century, especially immediately after the proclamation of the Second Constitutional Monarchy, the number of charitable organizations founded mainly by non-Muslims increased. Over time, the Turks began to establish charitable societies for the poor; thus, they played an essential role in increasing the number of such aid organizations. The significant social, political, and economic problems experienced by the Ottoman Empire in the last period also affected its relationship with the poor class of the society. The relationship between state and society has redirected quickly following the new process. The primary purpose of this study is to deal with the historical process of the fukaraperver institutions based on the documents found in the Ottoman State Archives.