A large illuminated firman bearing the tughra of Sultan Mehmed IV (r.1648-87), Turkey, Ottoman, Istanbul, dated 1076 AH/1666 AD

Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, 13 lines to the page, written in large diwani script in black ink, surmounted by a large tughra in gold, framed

In good overall condition, calligraphy bold, illumination bright, minor stains, worm holes and abrasions to leaf edges, 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."

This large firman bearing the tughra of Mehmet IV is a document of significant historical importance. Addressed to the King of France, the 'Sun King' Louis XIV, from the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV, it reflects a fluctuating time in Franco-Ottoman relations in the years leading up to the second Ottoman Seige of Vienna in 1683.

The word 'firman', or ferman in Turkish, comes from the Persian farman, meaning 'command' or 'authority', and regarding the Ottoman Empire, it refers to an edict made by the sultan, frequently featuring his tughra in the heading. Though exceptionally issued by the sultan himself, firmans were often decreed by his highest officials, usually following a discussion of the matter in question at the diwan-i humayun or 'imperial council' (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, B. Lewis, Ch. Pellat and J. Schacht (eds.), vol. II, Leiden, 1983, pp.803-4). The subjects of these documents vary widely, dealing with administrative, military, financial and diplomatic affairs, amongst others. A number of firmans also mandated general regulations that applied to the population as a whole and were later integrated into the Ottoman kanunnames, or codes of secular law (ibid, p.805).

The present firman is addressed to the French King Louis XIV (r.1643-1715) from Sultan Mehmed IV (r.1648-87). The text acknowledges the arrival of the French Ambassador, Denis de la Haye, in Istanbul, and records his reception at court, and the translation and presentation of his official letters. The decree acknowledges and reciprocates the messages of goodwill and friendship between the empires in the soon-to-be revived Franco-Ottoman alliance. The firman goes on to confirm the continued observation of the commercial agreements (uhudname-i hümayun).

Denis de la Haye was French ambassador to Turkey from 1665-70, and is known to have been imprisoned for three days in the grand vizier's palace in 1669 (see C. White, Three Years in Constantinople, vol.I, London, 1845, p.136). Despite this incident, and the fact that Louis XIV was initially quite hostile towards the Sublime Porte, the decades that followed the sending of this imperial decree would see a resurgence in positive relations between France and the Ottoman Empire. Louis XIV refused to join the European 'Holy League' in their battle against the Turks, and assumed a neutral position during the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Indirectly, Louis XIV assisted Mehmed IV's empire by resisting helping the Austrians, and then later attacking the Habsburgs. He was much criticised in Europe for his stance, and two years after Sultan Mehmed's death was referred to in The House of Commons as "the most Christian Turk, the most Christian ravager of Christendom, the most Christian barbarian..." (Lord Macauley, The History of England from the Accession of James II, vol.I, London, 1864, p.303).

A further large firman bearing the tughra of Mehmed IV, and also relating to Western European relations, was sold in these rooms, 6 April 2011, lot 238.