Projects of Reforming Governance by Waqfs in Crimea at the Beginning of the 20th Century

Different points of view on the problem of reforming Waqf governance in Crimea at the beginning of the 20th century are examined in the article. The activities of the government to study and solve the Waqfs problem were estimated; suggested projects to transform this institute were analyzed as well. The conclusion was drawn that despite numerous official declarations to change the system of governance by Waqfs, suggestions to transfer them to Mohammedan religious board of administration, local Zemstvo, administration no particular moves were undertaken in this direction by tsarist government. "Special Commission on Waqfs" established in 1885 and attached to the Ministry of Home Affairs was the only legitimate body in the Waqf sphere. In fact, the most criticized and requiring reforms institution which had an interim status had carried out their responsibilities and had been functioning in the 20th century.