Lot 23
  • 23

Three Ottoman honorific decrees (farashat) relating to the Prophet's Tomb in Medina, bearing the tughras of Selim III (r.1789-1807), Mahmud II (r.1808-39) and Abdulmecid (r.1839-61), Turkey, first half 19th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Ink on paper
Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, 7-9 lines to the page, written in diwani script in red, green and black, each surmounted by a tughra: Abdulmecid, Mahmud II and Selim III 

Condition

In reasonably good overall condition, some waterstains, creases and minor losses, one with two holes, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Each of the present firmans represents a farashat, or 'honorific decree', presented to a person of high standing, granting them the care-taking (literally the 'sweeper') of the Prophet's Tomb in Medina. The names of those receiving this honour are as follows:

Farashat with tughra of Selim III: Mustafa Efendi, dated 1218 AH/1803 AD
Farashat with tughra of Mahmud II: Ibrahim Pasha, dated 1254 AH/1838 AD
Farashat with tughra of Abdulmecid: Mehmet 'Ali Ibn Mustafa, dated 1258 AH/1842 AD