Resimli Tarih Geleneğinin Önemli bir Örneği: Hâfız-ı Ebrû, Külliyat-ı Tarih

Abstract

The main subject of this study is Hâfız-ı Abru’s Kulliyat-ı Tarikhi (in Topkapi Palace Museum’s Library B.282), which was produced in Herat between H. 820/1417-1418 for the Timurid ruler Sultan Shahrukh (reign 1405-1447) and it constitutes one of the most original examples of illustrated history tradition. The study is a monographic review. In this respect, this work of art has been evaluated within the context of the illustrated history tradition whose samples were produced since the early years of the 14th century, and its codicological features and text content have been examined. The subject selection and the text-illustration relation of the twenty illustrations in Kulliyat-ı Tarikhi were compared with contemporary illustrations, and their authentic and progressive side has been examined in terms of style and iconography.

The Kulliyat-ı Tarikhi illustrations that were revealed as a result of the assembly of artists trained in Shiraz workshops in the Ilkhanid, Jelayirid, and early Timurid periods enabled us to witness the continuity of illustrated manuscripts' production in this field. As a result of the work of art’s page design, the non-repetitive illumination program, and the employed pattern and technique examination, evidence that these are the authentic studies of artists trained in different art workshops was reached. Among the work of art’s other three samples that are currently preserved two are illuminated but do not include illustrations. Comparisons have been made between the work of art’s copies, and it has been detected that copies registered under different names have varying introductions. The reviewed copy has been evaluated in terms of the Timurid sovereignty’s strong political authority of the area in the 14th century, regaining stability in the reign of Sultan Shahrukh despite the political instability that began after the death of Timur - the founder of the state, retrieving control over the lands which were lost during turmoil, and Herat’s palace becoming the new center for science, culture, and art. Moreover, considering Sultan Shahrukh’s religious and political personality, who was known for his interest in historical work, has helped us understand the type of books that were prepared, read, and attracted the ruler’s attention in the Herat palace.