Exhibits from the Near East Collection at Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library & Yale University Library

Exhibit "Islamic Book and Bookbinding"

Ottoman binding
(18th cent.)

This Koran was copied in Naskhi script by Ali al-Qaramani.

Artists in Ottoman Turkey produced works that drew on centuries-long aesthetic traditions. This binding resembles the 16th century Persian style, also popular in Turkey. A subtle difference is the use of European-type floral patterns. European art, in particular French rococo, had an important influence on Turkish artists/artisans of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Beinecke; Arabic ms. 49