Inscribed Memory: Calligrapher Hafız Osman and His Attributed Inscriptions

ÇALIŞIR M. F., KURUMEHMET E.

KADIM, sa.9, ss.129-149, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.54462/kadim.1604544
  • Dergi Adı: KADIM
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.129-149
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: 17th Century Ottoman Empire, Epigraphy, Hafız Osman, Köprülü Household, Large-Scale Thuluth, Ottoman Calligraphy
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Kitabes (inscriptions) serve as lasting testaments to cultural, artistic, and historical narratives, preserving heritage for future generations. This study examines two inscriptions in & Uuml;sk & uuml;dar attributed to the renowned calligrapher Haf & imath;z Osman Efendi (10521110/1642-1698): the fountain inscription of the & Scedil;ehit (Sar & imath;) S & uuml;leyman Pasha Mosque in Do & gbreve;anc & imath;lar and the tombstone inscription of K & ouml;pr & uuml;l & uuml; Damad & imath; Siyavu & scedil; Pasha in the Karacaahmet Tunusba & gbreve;& imath; Cemetery. Both inscriptions commemorate individuals associated with the K & ouml;pr & uuml;l & uuml; household, the most influential political family of the period, and highlight the dual function of calligraphy as both an artistic medium and a socio-political tool. This study approaches the inscriptions from artistic, historical, and technical perspectives, exploring the intricate interplay between art, politics, and Sufism in the 17th century Ottoman Empire. It also draws on newly uncovered archival documents related to Haf & imath;z Osman's life, shedding light on his contributions to the Ottoman government and personal struggles. Lastly, the study highlights the critical importance of preserving these inscriptions as cultural and historical records.