What does Waqâla mean?

Meaning:

term used mainly by the Mamluks and Ottomans to designate a waqf-type caravanserai, and sometimes, no doubt abusively, its outbuildings (mausoleum, public fountain, elementary school, madrasa…); in this way, revenues were used to finance the maintenance and operation of the premises (supply or even provision of water, care of the poor in various forms, running of a school or mosque). See the article on the Wékalet Al-Ghouri in Cairo.