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Imperial monogram of Suleiman the Magnificent
Imperial monogram of Suleiman the Magnificent

Imperial monogram of Suleiman the Magnificent

Place of OriginTurkey
Dateapprox. 1550-1565
PeriodOttoman dynasty
MaterialsInk, color and gold on paper
DimensionsH. 10 in x W. 6 3/4 in, H. 25.4 cm x W. 17.2 cm
Credit LineGift of the Walter and Phyllis Shorenstein Fund
Object number1990.12
DepartmentWest Asian Art
ClassificationsBooks And Manuscripts
On View
Not on view
More Information

A seal or signature (Turkish: tughra) of the Ottoman sultans was affixed to all official documents and correspondence in this empire. This monogram, was written in the Ottoman Turkish language in Arabic script, the most characteristic form of the tughra. It consists of two loops on the left side and three vertical lines in the middle. The sultan's name can be found in the bottom section of the monogram.

Also referred to as Suleiman the Magnificent, Suleiman was the tenth and longest ruling king of the Ottoman empire.