Sadaka taşı Istanbul

Politeness and lack of greed

Zekeriya from Istanbul

"The "Sadaka taşı" in Istanbul were used as open charity boxes in the time of the Empire. Now they're a reminder to the elaborateness of the public back then."

So this is a new discovery for me as well. Last week I was on a stroll in the depths of İstanbul where I came across this small pillar stone. It's called sadaka taşı (charity stone). During the Ottoman period these structures were erected at certain points of the city. The sole purpose of this was the fair connection between the people with money and the poor (or the beggars). It's a very polite gesture that shows the elaborateness of the public during those periods.

These small pillar stones represent the modern donation system but openly. Usually placed within mosque complexes and in a very hidden corner. It's almost as tall as a human or maybe a little taller. There is a cavity on the very top. So people who wanted to do charity would place whatever amount they wanted in this cavity. The people with need would only take the amount they needed and leave the rest for the others. No one was offended by begging nor by paying a beggar.

The system worked fine until the descent of the Empire. As seen in the picture some still exist. So if you get to see one now you know what it stands for. No, I wouldn't suggest for you to leave any money there.

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Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is unique... Athens, Alexandria, Antioch, Rome, or those that have come after, such as Baghdad and Damascus... These are cities with mono-culture, cities that do not host a historical continuity o...

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Sümbül Efendi ağa

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Oct 29, 2025

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