This thesis is of an historical nature and deals with two institutions in Bosnia and Hercegovina: waqf and the Library of Gazi Husrev bay. These institutions are placed in a societal context which makes it easier to understand their origins, development and decline. The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyze the history of the Library of Gazi Husrev bay and its specific characteristics as well as analyze the institution of waqf in a societal context. The questions posed by this thesis are: What is waqf and its meaning? What are its benevolent as well as hostile periods? How did the Library of Gazi Husrev bay and its mission develop? The thesis is limited to waqf in its societal context. The method used consists of a qualitative literature study with source criticism and hermeneutics as methods of interpretation. The study shows that waqf is an important societal institution which has roots dating back to early Islamic history, that waqf had/has great importance in the education of Bosnians and the development of society in general, and that it was/is a widespread phenomenon in Bosnia. The thesis also shows that waqf experienced a number of hostile and benevolent periods as well as a neutral one. When it comes to the Library of Gazi Husrev bay, the thesis shows the library’s arduous history, its mission as well as its role in the preservation of Bosnia’s cultural heritage. / Uppsatsnivå: D