Ottoman Hilye Panel (Hilye-i sherif)

This panel is an example of a hilye-i sheriff panel, a special calligraphic art form that describes the physical and moral attributes of the Prophet Muhammad as recounted by ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, reported by al-Tirmidhi (209-279 AH/824-892 CE) and later versified by Mehmed Bey Hakani (d. 1015 AH/1606-1607 CE) in 1007 AH/1598-1599 CE. Copied on wooden boards or prayers manuscripts, this type of calligraphic compositions was developed by calligrapher Hafiz Osman Efendi (1051-1109 AH/1642-1698 CE). Hilye panels, intended to be hang on walls, are commonly divided in sections, which names refer to the body of the Prophet, reflecting the protective and spiritual interaction with Muhammad and his body. In this example, the bașmakam (or head part) starts with the basmallah and verse 106 of Sura al-Anbiya‘, which refers to Muhammad, then the göbek (or navel) includes the text of the hilye with the hilal section at the bottom part of the circle and the names of the Most Rightful caliphs and three other companions outside of the central circle; finally the etek (or skirt) bears the tasliyya. If compared to other examples of hilye panels, this is a simplified version inscribed and gilded directly on the wood, which composition exludes the kusak (or belt) and the koltuk (or sleeves) sections. Although the piece is not signed and does not include the signature of the calligrapher, it corresponds to the 12th century AH/18th century production in Istanbul.