Mülk


Mülk was a type of land tenure under the Ottoman empire.

Etymology

Characteristics of mülk

Mülk was similar to freehold land; owners could buy, sell, and mortgage freely. It was exempt from some kinds of land taxes. Mülk was about more than just the land; it might also include the right to annual malikane payments from tenants and farmers.

Context

In much of the near east, mülk can be contrasted against miri, which was effectively state-controlled land.
In some ways, mülk was similar to vakuf property.

Related concepts