Suleiman the Magnificent
This replica exhibited in your room is of one of the 87 talismanic shirts from the Collection of Sultan’s Clothing at Topkapi Palace and as it shows resemblance to arts in Ottoman Empire during 16th century and to other shirts of Suleiman the Magnificent. As its owner is still unknown, it was adorned with one of his poems along with some notes from his life…
May this talisman make you invincible, spread your name and victories to the whole world. May the victories and justice be with you forever…
The 10th Sultan of Ottoman Empire, Suleiman I was the absolute sultan of the 16th century with his understanding of justice, mightiness, bravery, victories and legendary love Hurrem Sultan… He was the Lawgiver in the East; the Magnificent in the West…
Suleiman was a unique statesman. He was so renowned with his understanding of justice that he was given the name "Lawgiver". The Magnificent Sultan was undoubtedly a talented warrior; he spent sixteen years on expeditions of his forty six years years long enthronement. All his years on expedition and throne make him the longest reigning Sultan of Ottoman Empire who also spent the longest amount of time on the field. Yet his talent and success were not limited to only politics; Suleiman was notorious for his uniquely artistic personality as well. He was a very gifted jeweller. Hand-making gifts for his loved ones was one of his biggest pleasures. Literary arts, however, was another valuable subject for him. He protected the artists with all his power. He, himself, wrote numerous poems; letters for his legendary love Hurrem even during the challenging campaigns he ventured. His passion for her was so big that he collected the love poems he dedicated to Hurrem in a book. They had such powerful love for each other that it was well known that there was nothing in the whole world they would not do for each other. There were various rumours that the big love was the reason behind the Lawgiver’s political success.
The shirt is of white ketene the lining of which is green. The shirt with the crossing front slit carries a different ornament. The ornament largely focusing on religious patterns reflects late features of its era. The composition of ornament is consisted of three opposing circles on the both sides of the slit and two opposing squares below which four opposing small circles on the chest. The most alluring pattern used on this composition is the semicircles placed above the squares which resemble an architectural drawing of a shrine. The circles on the sides of the slit is the completing touch of this whole composition. Along these interesting details of the ornament, the green coloured shoe patterns located right below the neck empower the meaning of the shirt. The prayers engraved on this meticulously designed shirt are meant for God to protect the one who wears it…
This replica presented in your room is almost exact copy of the talismanic shirts Suleiman would always wear during the wars he fought. For this reason and solely out of respect for his romantic love for Hurrem Sultan, you can find one of his poems dedicated for her…
