Kıta - Hadis-i Şerîf 

This is a calligraphic piece by Sheikh Hamdullah, a master of Islamic calligraphy who died in 1520. The work presents a "Hadis-i Şerif," a saying or tradition attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. Made during the late Ottoman Empire, it reflects the significance of religious scholarship within the imperial court and Ottoman society. Calligraphy, like this, held immense cultural importance, as the written word was revered as a direct link to divine knowledge. The work is a visual representation of Ottoman piety. The floral illuminations surrounding the text also highlight a certain artistic style associated with the Ottoman court. The art of the book had a prominent place in Ottoman society with libraries and workshops attached to the court. Historical context is key to understanding art like this. Exploring religious texts, Ottoman court records, and the biographies of figures like Sheikh Hamdullah helps reveal the complex meanings embedded within this beautiful work.