Symbolism in a 19th century islamic prayer book
Results
- Form: This rondel manuscript is portable, lightweight, and has a unique concertina format. There are 16 leaves, each only 48mm in diameter. The interplay between its form and function is significant. Although we cannot be certain, the small, round shape suggests that it may have been intended as an amulet or protective charm.
- Images: The images within the manuscript are talismanic as well, particularly the letter "ain" (ع) on disk 12. The sacred objects depicted in the document are visual aids for prayer and have personal protection properties. Below, we see several sacred sites and objects including: Mecca, the Prophet Muhammed’s mosque, the footprint and sandal of the Prophet, brush, trimmers, miswak, battle standard, two-headed rod of Moses, and the tuba tree.
- Text: The text in this document are excerpts from the Qur’an, praises to God, the 99 names of God, and captions for the images. This ratio of text to imagery is uncommon in the Islamic world, however, the Ottoman Empire retained influences from Hellenistic cultures, including their affinity for imagery in worship.
Introduction
- Based on comparable texts, this manuscript is likely from the Ottoman Empire, circa 1880.
- The Turkish leaders pushed out Christian Byzantine influences. The sultans collected Islamic spiritual artifacts and in time, a syncretic form of Islam developed in the region.
- Several miniature devotional books were created in the 19th century.
- These prayer books could have been used for personal daily prayer or for their talismanic properties.
Methods and Analysis
- We met in Walter Havighurst Special Collections each week to analyze the object (pictured center). The goal was to holistically view the item as a physical tool and for its spiritual value.
- Researched several related secondary sources from online databases.
- Conducted a comparative study with other Islamic prayer books of this nature.
Conclusions
- It appears that this manuscript is incredibly powerful for its small stature.
- Upon further analysis, this seems to be a personal prayer book with protective spiritual qualities.
- It was rebound with Venetian marbled paper and is missing a protective case.
- In the future, Dr. Klosowska and I intend to look into Turkish Islamic life to further uncover its purpose and meanings in the modern world.
Acknowledgements
Special thank you to Dr. Klosowska for all your guidance and brilliant ideas. Another special thank you to Rachel Makarowski in Special Collections for meeting with us and sharing rare book knowledge. Also, thank you to Dr. French for providing insight into the excerpts and images used in the manuscript.
Emily Luyster, History and Anthropology
Research Apprenticeship with Dr. Anna Klosowska
Manuscript
(read right to left)