Joy Morris to William H. Seward, July 3, 1867

Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to enclose an additional law, completing the Vacouf reforms.

As the law granting the right of real property to foreigners was a concession to the Christian interests, that relating to the extension of the right of inheritance to Vacouf estates is for the especial benefit of the Mussulman population. These concessions, being intended to conciliate both Mussulmans and Christians, and to promote their respective welfare, have been simultaneously promulgated.

The former will unquestionably be greatly benefited by the new law on Vacouf property. The term Vacouf represents what may be designated as “church property.” It consists of the lands set apart by Mahomet the Conqueror and his successors for the endowment of mosques and for charitable and educational purposes, and of bequests made by private persons for similar purposes. A most important branch of Vacouf is composed of lands sold to the mosques for sums much below their real value, and which the mosque consents to hold in its own name for a small annual payment by the proprietor, who has perfect control of his estate, with the enjoyment of its revenue and products. In case of a failure of direct heirs, the property lapses to the mosque and falls into its exclusive possession. In this way a vast amount of mulk, or freehold, has become Vacouf or ecclesiastical property. It is estimated that nearly three-fourths of the whole real property of Turkey, including lands and houses, has-become Vacouf.

By the new laws just published it will be seen that the inheritance of the Vacouf property, hitherto confined to direct heirs, has been extended seven degrees, embracing the surviving wife or husband, the grandchildren, the father and mother, and four degrees of collateral descent. In consideration of this boon, which almost completely emancipates the last class of Vacouf mentioned above, the government exacts 15 per cent. of the annual production of the land or its equivalent, payable in the course of five years in kind or in money, at the option of the owner. At the expiration of the fifth year he will have nothing to pay in future but the normal dime [tithe.]

This tax of a tithe and a half will yield, it is estimated, about $25,000,000 to the treasury. Vineyards, orchards, and mulberry and olive plantations are, however, to pay nothing for their conversion into freehold by this process.

This law has given great satisfaction to the Mussulman population, and will have an important influence on its well-being and prosperity. Had the whole property known as Vacouf been converted to the uses of the state, the imperial treasury would have been relieved of much of its existing embarrassments. This was, considering the powerful influence of the Ulemas, too bold a step for the government to take at present. It will, I think, be forced on it eventually, as the declining revenue and the increasing taxation call for radical relief. The debt of the empire exceeds $350,000 000, and it is constantly increasing. Unfortunately, while the taxes are augmented, the country seems to grow poorer. Had public opinion any influence in Turkey it would force the Mussulman church to surrender its unproductive property to the government for the general relief. It is creditable to the present ministry that it has had the moral courage to carry through such an important reform, and it is to be hoped that it is the precursor of other measures of like beneficence.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,