Traces of the Ottoman Empire in Mecca in the Context of Social Services

The Ottoman Empire, has a special importance Mecca and Medina where Islam born and grow up, The Prophet Muhammed spent his life. The Ottoman Sultans has undertake the spiritual leadership of the Islamic world from Yavuz Sultan Selim. They are called “Hâdimü'l-Haremeyni'ş-Şerîfeyn” which means “servant of Mecca and Medina” because of their respect to Mecca and Medina. Ottomans gave great value to these regions not only religious but also in terms of bringing social services. Ottomans, have sent to Haremeyn many allowances as financial aid and crew. Also, Ottamans has been involved with the construction of the Kaaba, the reorganization of Masjid al-Haram and many more issues; they have endured many sacrifices for sevices to Harameyn. In addition, they built mainly such as the inn and bath-fountains, railways and public works projects. Also, they have aid to the people coming for Hajj through their foundation. In addition, by establishing institution of cleaning and health such as the Hijaz waterways, targeted to protect the health of pilgrims and people of Mecca and quarantine agency has been established against some contagious and infectious diseases. Building a number of madrasas were not also neglect training activities. Ottomans, in the context of social assistance, establishing inns for poor pilgrims and forlorn, tried to resolve the needs of people. Since the period of Yavuz Sultan Selim, Yıldırım Bayezid and Çelebi Mehmed, Ottomans have regularly sent an aid package called “Surra” to Mecca and Medina every year.

Keywords

Mecca, Fondation, Surra, Hicaz, Masjid al-Haram and Ottoman