Waqfs of the Gradašćević family of begs

Abstract

The article discusses the waqf that belonged to the Gradaščević family of begs from Gradačac. It represents a significant contribution to the history of this family and the cultural history of Bosnia. The waqf emerged between the second half of the 18th and mid 20th century.

The Gradaščević family belongs to one of the greatest philanthropic families and their waqf ranks among the largest waqfs in Bosnia. Besides kapudans and begs, the female members of the family left endowments as well. Their waqfs were to be found in north east Bosnia in Gradačac, Gračanica, Modriča and Brčko. These consisted of medreses, mosques, shops, houses and land. Their waqf greatly contributed to building activities and the urbanisation of the above-mentioned towns sparking the economic growth of the area. Today some of their waqf are Bosnian national monuments. The role of and the contribution their endowments made to the overall development of educational, cultural and religious life of Muslims of this area is huge. Most of the waqfs have been appropriated, taken away or nationalized, so that only a small part of this once imposing waqf remains today.