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Ottoman Iznik Tile Panel, Topkapi Palace Harem (c. 16th century)

An Ottoman imperial Iznik ceramic tile panel from the Topkapi Palace Harem, Istanbul, c. mid-16th century. Cobalt blue, turquoise, and tomato red on white ground. The Topkapi harem tile program is the largest in-situ Iznik installation.

Scholarly Significance

Represent Ottoman Classical Iznik tile panel tradition in its highest commission context — the Topkapi Palace harem.

Notes

  • ·Tiles produced at Iznik (ancient Nicaea, Bursa province, Turkey); installed at Topkapi Palace.
  • ·The 'saz' and 'rumi' arabesque styles were codified in the imperial naqqashane and sent as pattern drawings to Iznik workshops.