The Symbols of Sovereignty In The Illustrated Manuscripts of Tarih-i Nigâristân

Büşra Ayaz

Büşra Ayaz

Year : 2025
Vol : 5
Issue : 1
Page : 64-80

Authored in the 16th century by Ahmed b. Muhammad-i Gaffārī-yi Qazvīnī, Tārīkh-i Nigāristān is a comprehensive historical and literary work that covers nearly ten centuries, beginning from the first century of the Hijra. The text not only recounts the lives of prophets and Islamic rulers but also narrates the biographies of the Twelve Imams, scholars, and prominent figures of its time. Furthermore, it incorporates knowledge of astronomy, moral philosophy, and social ethics, interwoven with instructive anecdotes and humorous tales offering moral and didactic lessons. In this respect, Tārīkh-i Nigāristān stands as an encyclopedic compilation that fuses historical narrative with refined literary expression, reflecting both educational and aesthetic dimensions. This study examines three significant illustrated manuscripts of the work: Akm 272, held in the Aga Khan Museum (Canada); Walters Ms. W.598, preserved in the Walters Art Museum (United States); and Cod. Heid. Orient 222, kept at the Heidelberg University Library (Germany). Produced in Shiraz during the 16th and 17th centuries, these copies represent the artistic sophistication of the Safavid manuscript tradition through their elegant calligraphy, vibrant color palette, and intricately detailed miniatures. At the core of the research lies an iconographic and chronological analysis of royal imagery depicted in these miniatures. Elements such as crowns, thrones, headdresses, garments, postures, weapons, and other insignia of kingship have been systematically examined. Through a comparative analysis of six selected miniatures, the study highlights the political ideology, visual codes, and aesthetic conventions of the Safavid era. Moreover, the interplay between text and image is explored to identify the depicted rulers and contextualize the related narratives. Finally, the artistic milieu of Shiraz as a leading manuscript production center is assessed. Ultimately, this research positions Tārīkh-i Nigāristān as a crucial source for understanding the interrelation between art, authority, and representation in Safavid visual culture.

Cite this Article As : Ayaz, B., (2025). Tarih-i Nigâristân’ın Resimli Nüshalarında Hükümdarlık Alametleri . Nigarhane, 5(1), 64-80.

Description : Yazarların hiçbiri, bu makalede bahsedilen herhangi bir ürün, aygıt veya ilaç ile ilgili maddi çıkar ilişkisine sahip değildir. Araştırma, herhangi bir dış organizasyon tarafından desteklenmedi.Yazarlar çalışmanın birincil verilerine tam erişim izni vermek ve derginin talep ettiği takdirde verileri incelemesine izin vermeyi kabul etmektedirler. None of the authors, any product mentioned in this article, does not have a material interest in the device or drug. Research, not supported by any external organization. grant full access to the primary data and, if requested by the magazine they agree to allow the examination of data.

The Symbols of Sovereignty In The Illustrated Manuscripts of Tarih-i Nigâristân, Research Article,
2025, Vol. 5 (1)

Received : 24.07.2025, Accepted : 09.12.2025 , Published Online : 29.12.2025