Accounting Records That Are Kept by the Waqfs in Cyprus Under British Colony and the Development of Accounting Records During This Time (*)

Yıl 2015, Sayı: 9 - Sayı: 9, 153 - 171, 01.07.2015

Emel Çapkıner Tosun Güzide Atai

Öz

It is known that after the arrival of the Turkish to Anatolia , they establish waqfs (foundation) which is an unconditional and permanent dedication of property with implied detention in the ownership of God in such a manner, that the property of the owner may be extinguished and its profits may revert to or be applied for the benefit of mankind except for purposes prohibited by Islam. (1299-1922). During this time, between 1571 and 1875 a lot of these waqfs were also established in Cyprus. In these waqfs senior authorities prepared reports and these reports were sent to the waqfs body located in the central administration in İstanbul in order to be evaluated there. During this time , the Ottomans , used a method called the stairs (merdiban) method, until 1879 before moving onto the double entry method. When the British took control of Cyprus in 1875, the waqfs continued and protect their existences. There are many accounting books that were kept using the stairs method at the library in Nicosia and at the National Archives in Kyrenia. Besides, there are records that were kept under double entry accounting system.There were three issues that could be seen in the annual reports of the Waqfs. The double entry method as the first one, consolidated financial statements for different cities (Famagusta, Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca) were prepared for the whole Cyprus, was the second one. The third issue was these financial statements were audited. In addition to all these, financial statement were published in the Cyprus Gazette which was official newpaper of the Cyprus. In these Financial Statemens, revenue of the regions were shown seperately, where as the expenditures were shown as one.Ottoman’s Waqfs Administration was sent an experienced senior accountant to the island to sustain traditional rules and principles of waqfs. Also, this person was in charge with the relations between the British administration and the Waqfs. This person signed the consolidated financial statements under the title of Turkish Waqf delegate. After the 19th century this duty in Cyprus was carried out by Mehmet Sidik Efendi who successfully fullfilled his duties by ensuring that the British showed respect to the waqf order.This study aims to give the historical background of accounting records that are kept by the waqfs in Cyprus when the Cyprus is under British Colony and the development of accounting records during this time.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Stair Method, Waqfs of Cyprus, development of accounting records.