The Question of Interest - Sample Practices in History

Abstract

The book titled "The Question of Interest-Sample Practices in History" (under the original title of "Faiz Meselesi-Tarihte Ornek Uygulamalar") was compiled by Murat Ustaoglu and Ahmet Incekara and published in May 2019. It gives a detailed description of interest-bearing debt relations and the historical practices related thereto. The book, which consists of 16 articles prepared by 21 academicians, presents the reasons for the emergence of interest-bearing debt relations, the ways in which they were arranged and the consequences they created in society in many civilizations throughout history. The book also deals with the approaches of religions with respect to interest. The book first describes interest-bearing debt relations in Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman and Indian civilizations, and then in Judaism and Christianity, with provisions and practices related to interest being outlined in detail. Next the authors cover the definition of interest in Islam, interest prohibition, and financial methods developed in accordance with this prohibition. The book presents an objective point of view and it has an integrity and harmony between its chapters in terms of subject, style and form. The book is a detailed study in its field and contributes to the literature in relation to the issue of interest.