On Monday, October 28, 2024, a workshop titled "Legal Status of the Waqf in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Türkiye: A Comparative Perspective" was held in collaboration with Ibn Haldun University Faculty of Law, the Center for Civil Society Studies and Practice, the University of Sarajevo Faculty of Law, and the Directorate of Waqfs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event attracted significant attention as it provided in-depth insights into the waqfs of Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the perspectives of legal history, civil law, and administrative law.
An expert delegation from İbn Haldun University’s Faculty of Law attended the waqf workshop in Sarajevo. The team, consisting of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Erol, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Demirbaş, Asst. Prof. Dr. Afra Uysal, Asst. Prof. Dr. Meryem Solmaz Bilici, and Res. Asst. M. Talha Kaan, brought their expertise in waqf law from the perspectives of civil law, administrative law, and legal history. Throughout the workshop, the delegation engaged in discussions on Bosnia’s rich waqf culture, sharing insights and exchanging knowledge.
The workshop, available for in-person and online participation globally, featured comprehensive presentations on the historical, legal, and administrative aspects of waqfs. Dr. Afra Uysal from Ibn Haldun University presented on "Historical Development of Ottoman Waqf Law in Rumelia and Anatolia," Dr. Meryem Solmaz Bilici discussed "Fundamental Issues of Turkish Waqfs from the Perspective of Civil Law," and Research Assistant Muhammet Talha Kaan presented on "Operating Public Service via State-Established Waqfs: Case Studies of the Waqfs in Türkiye." Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Erol addressed questions regarding the administrative status of waqfs, providing the participants with comprehensive information.
The workshop was considered a valuable step toward strengthening academic and civil society cooperation between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina, receiving wide coverage in the local media as well.
The delegation from İbn Haldun University visited the Gazi Husrev-beg Waqf and Library, a significant institution contributing to Bosnia’s cultural heritage. During their visit, they learned in detail about the waqf’s history, ongoing projects, and cultural initiatives directly from the waqf’s administrators. Highlighting the pivotal role of the Gazi Husrev-beg Waqf in preserving and sustaining Ottoman heritage in Bosnia, the delegation also discussed potential future collaborations. They later met with the Turkish Cultural Attaché in Sarajevo to exchange ideas on strengthening cultural ties and developing joint projects between Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina. These visits were seen as a crucial step in advancing the university’s mission of fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange.
