A TREASURE FROM TOPKAPI PALACE: THE SANCAK QUR'AN WITH MA'KILI SCRIPT (E.H 485)

This article focuses on the examination of the Sancak Qur'an (E.H 485) in the collection of the Topkapi Palace Museum. The Ma'kıli script, which holds a significant place in Islamic calligraphy, is analyzed in terms of its aesthetic, religious, and symbolic meanings in this work. This Qur'an, which played a central role in the military and spiritual structure of the Ottoman Empire, was used as a spiritual shield on battlefields, boosting the morale and faith in victory of the Ottoman soldiers. The Sancak Qur'an not only helps us understand the multifaceted functions of calligraphy in Islamic art but also offers new perspectives on Ottoman military strategies and spiritual beliefs. The study examines the historical development, structural characteristics, and position of Ma'kıli script in Islamic art. The geometric design of the script, with its sharp and angular lines, is highlighted as a symbol of power during the Ottoman period. Additionally, the physical features, binding techniques, and cover decorations of the Qur'an are evaluated, and the messages conveyed by the inscriptions are analyzed. In conclusion, this study reveals both the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of using the Sancak Qur'an as a military banner. The Ma'kıli script aimed to provide spiritual support to soldiers while also exerting psychological influence over enemies. The article presents this work as a rare example representing the religious and military power of the Ottoman Empire and contributes to understanding the multifaceted functions of calligraphy in Islamic art. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for researchers and art historians interested in the symbolic and spiritual meanings of Ma'kıli script in Ottoman banners.