Egyptian Imaret

The imaret is a charitable institution built in large cities and holy cities during the Ottoman period, offering free meals, accommodation, and various services to those in need, pilgrims, and travelers. During the Ottoman period, many imarets were constructed in Mecca and Medina by both the central government and wealthy provinces and philanthropists. The Egyptian province made significant investments in Harameyn as an important source of Ottoman revenue for centuries. The Egyptian Imaret was designated to meet the needs of Egyptian pilgrims and the poor in the region. Such imarets are the most concrete reflections of the Ottoman understanding of social responsibility towards Harameyn. [Source: "İmaret", TDV İslâm Ansiklopedisi, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/imaret; Istanbul University Rare Books Library, Medina Map]