Murad III

This replica from the 16th century exhibited in your room is of
one of the 87 talismanic shirts from the Collection of Sultan’s Clothing at
Topkapi Palace and it is considered to have belonged to Murad III according
to the prayers, motives and meanings of the talisman on the shirt and
therefore was adorned with one of his
poems…

May this talisman make your
success, family and generosity
forever…

It is one of the best example
of the tradition; ordered and presented to Murat III by one of Mevlevi Sheiks
Sinan Dede…

The life of the owner of the shirt, Murat III,
is rather interesting. He married Safiye Sultan during his time as the son of
the sultan at the palace and lived a monogamist life for a long time. He,
however, later had many other marriages and tens of children after wearing
the talismanic shirt his mother Nurbanu Sultan had tailored for him. He is
the Sultan of Ottoman Empire who had the most wives and children. Such
information strengthens the belief in the power of the talisman. Murat III
who reigned for 20 years never physically joined an expedition and spent most
of his time at the harem yet Ottoman Empire reached it’s broadest frontier during
his time in which the role of the excellent statesmanship of his Grand Vizier
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha is enormous.

The Sultan who was
educated on the same level as a scientist, a writer, poet and advanced
calligrapher was much loved because of his closeness to public, generosity
and wisdom.

Sinan Dede was one of the most important
persons of his time. He had seen three Sultan’s reigns who took special care
of him. He tried a way to express his appreciation and gratitude for Murat
III who helped the mevlevi community largely. He decided to have a talismanic
shirt tailored for him. He saw the Head Augur privately. After a long and
toilsome time, the propitious moment was calculated. Then started the
preparation of the special cottons which was another period of weeks, months
even years. Finally, handmade by the calligraphers, the exquisitely
ornamented shirt was weaved according to the rituals. After all the exclusive
care and efforts, the outcome turned out to be very special piece of
art.

The talismanic shirt is made of very thin white cotton
such like a paper; collarless, short sleeved and has front and back slits
with cotton lining inside. The front of the shirt is divided into three
compositional sections; two opposing circles on the chest part and one big
centric circle in the middle. In addition to these circles, other geometrical
patterns such as squares and diamonds are noticeable. These patterns are
believed to strengthen the power of the talisman. Expectedly are there
prayers and surahs in and around these circles. Apart from the prayers, the
adornment is enriched by colourful flowers.

The ornament of
the back of the shirt is composed of two parts; the first part is two
concentrical circles that cover the back of the shirt and the second part is
a three-lined-decoration falling from the top of the slit down the ends. The
decoration is finished with variously coloured flowers. The shirt has a
special place in the collection because of the fine detailed handmade
ornaments in the skirts of the shirt and the abundant yet balanced use of
gold colour.

The Sultan famous for his generosity left many
wives and children behind himself after he passed away…