THE EVOLUTION OF WAQF IN TURKISH HIGHER EDUCATION: LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE PERSPECTIVES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJLGC.1145038Keywords:
Foundation, Governance, Law, Turkey, Waqf, Higher EducationAbstract
The primary aim of this study is to examine the legal framework and governance mechanisms governing waqf in Turkish higher education. While the socio-economic importance of waqf in Turkey is well-documented, previous research has not sufficiently examined the relationship between waqf law, institutional governance, stakeholder roles, and financial transparency. To address this gap, this study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing a targeted document analysis of primary legal sources. Specifically, it analyzes the Turkish Civil Code (Law No. 4721), the Foundations Law (Law No. 5737), and Council of Higher Education (CoHE) regulations spanning from the early Republic era to the present. The findings identify two concrete governance issues: the ongoing administrative tension between decentralized foundation autonomy and centralized CoHE oversight, and the legal ambiguities surrounding financial transparency when state universities collaborate with waqf foundations. Ultimately, this study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how current legal arrangements directly shape stakeholder accountability and institutional autonomy. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers refine existing statutory clauses to clarify financial reporting requirements, thereby allowing universities to strengthen their internal conflict-resolution mechanisms and safeguard waqf assets.
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