A Fine Illuminated Ottoman Qur'an, copied by Mustafa Ibn Ahmed, Turkey, dated 1093 AH/1682 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 430 leaves, plus 4 flyleaves, 11 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, verses separated by segmented gold florets, surah headings written in gold thuluth script in plain panels, catchwords, margins ruled in black and gold, opening double page illuminated frontispiece decorated in colours and gold with large gold cartouches surrounded by interlacing split-palmettes and flowers, fine brown morocco binding with central panels of cloudbands and foliation, bordered by a wide band of scrolling leafy vines

"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.
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This attractive Qur'an is signed 'Mustafa Ibn Ahmed, pupil of Hafiz Osman Effendi', and dated 1093 AH/1681 AD. It is almost certain that the calligrapher of the manuscript in hand, Mustafa Ibn Ahmed, is Bektash-agha-zade Mustafa (d.1716). The calligraphic finesse and extremely fine illumination both indicate a courtly commission.

Mustafa b. Ahmed Bektash-agha-zade (d.1716)
Commander of the Janissary troops, Bektash-agha-zade Mustafa worked as chief scribe of the Kapu-kulu military office. He studied calligraphy under the supervision of court master Hafiz Osman Effendi (d.1698), calligraphy tutor to Sultan Mustafa II (r.1695-1703) and Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30). He died in 1716 and was buried in the Topkapi Palace.