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…