Detail of a ‘tuğra’ dated 1603, and thus belonging to sultan Ahmed I (1603-1617).
Calligraphed in blue, red and gold ink on paper, with some outlining in black.

A ‘tuğra’is a calligraphic monogram, seal or signature of an Ottoman sultan, that was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. It was also carved on his seal and stamped on the coins minted during his reign. Very elaborate decorated versions were created for important documents that were also works of art in the tradition of Ottoman illumination. They could become quite big too; the one shown in the 1985 Fukuoka Exhibition (Japan), dated march 1587, mesures up to 163 cm (the christmas tree-like decoration included). All official documents were produced/created in the calligrapher workshop at het imperial court, the more important ones by the court head calligrapher himself.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: Wikipedia & Catalogue of the Fukuoka Exhibition (Japan), 1985.