Al-Sayyid Muhammad Bahir

In good overall condition, ink bold and paper clean and fresh, one or two very minor stains, in four seperate leaves, 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."

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asma al-husna '

The Ninety-Nine Names of God'

Al-Sayyid Muhammad Bahir Bey (1790-1865)

Al-Sayyid Muhammad Bahir Bey studied calligraphy under the supervision of Chief-judge (Qadi-asker) and Qadi of Mecca Abdulkadir Bey (d.1845), son of Rumeli Qadi-asker Emin Bey, and grand-son of Grand-vizier Yaglikchi-zadeh Mehmed Emin Pasha. Appointed chief calligraphy tutor to the Topkapi Palace, Muhammad Bahir Bey also taught calligraphy, on Thursdays, in his mansion in the district of Molla Gurani, Istanbul. He taught in the Palace on Mondays.

It has been noted that he had more than two hundred pupils, both from the palace and in various districts of the city. Known as the Sheikh al-Khattatin (Master of Calligraphers) of his day, he was most concerned with the quality of the ink and paper he used. Muhammad Bahir Bey was a member of the "Mawlawiyya" sufi order, and died in 1865. He is buried in the Kashghari Dervish-Lodge in the district of Eyub, Istanbul.