Lot 13

Edict of the Aq-Quyunlu ruler Ya'qub, Persia, Dated 19 Jumadi II

Estimate

8,000 - 12,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

8 lines of monumental tawqi' script in gold with vocalisation in black, followed by 15 lines of ta'liq in black and one seal impression, the reverse with 9 seal impressions, on buff cream paper

Catalogue Note

This firman is a fascinating document dating to the Aq-Qoyunlu period during the reign of Ya'qub (883-96/1478-90). Ya'qub ruled at the height of Aq-Qoyunlu power, and at the time of his dominion Tabriz had been established as the capital of these nomadic Turkic people. Ya'qub's military support against the Ottomans was sought by both the Europeans and the Pope, and his political acumen acted as a tonic to Persia's ailing power.

This document refers to land rights given previously by the deceased ruler Jahanshah to Sayyid Shams al-Din Muhammad and Sayyid Nizam al-Din Ja'far sons of Sayyid Ni'matullah, it involves the renewal and confirmation of land taxes and grazing rights. Ya'qub's tawqi' and tughra are visible at the top of the firman, and his seal impression is at the bottom.