BELIEFS ABOUT PIOUS FOUNDATIONS IN SIIRT
BELIEFS ABOUT PIOUS FOUNDATIONS IN SIIRT

Summary/Abstract: In the region of Siirt, beliefs about pious foundations (Vakıf) are noteworthy from a folkloric perspective. Those beliefs are based on the perception that buildings for housing or commercial purposes constructed in the lands of Vakıfs in which mosques, schools and madrasahs were supposed to be built will bring bad luck to those who live in. Therefore, the locals do not purchase or rent any housing or commercial units that were built in those lands. There are many locals who claim that they are having headshakes, feeling scared and uneasy and complain about the lack of blessing in their houses. Even some residents, who are not actually from Siirt but live there for a long time, are also under the influence of this belief. The locals also are having hard time and confusion when they want to purchase, rent or rent out their houses or commercial units due to that rumors circulating among the Siirtans that those houses or commercial units are built in the lands of Vakıfs. Those who live in those buildings constructed in the Vakıf lands are recommended donating some money as Sadaqah. Today, the people of Siirt including the new generation are still under the affect of the beliefs about Vakıfs.

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