Sotheby's Auction House sells rare Ottoman manuscript for record price

An exceptional auction at Sotheby's Auction House in London recently saw a rare manuscript of the Qur’an, commissioned by Münire Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdülmecid I., being sold for a record-breaking price of 114,300 pounds (approximately $144,000). This manuscript, created in 1860 and written by the renowned calligrapher Ibrahim Hakkı, fetched a much higher price than its estimated value of 70,000 to 90,000 pounds.

The auction, titled 'Arts of the Islamic World and India,' featured a diverse range of items from the Ottoman Empire and beyond. Alongside the illuminated Quran, various artifacts such as Iznik tiles, silk prayer rugs, wine flasks, kilims, daggers, and cup sets were also sold for significant amounts.

Among the notable items auctioned were a prayer rug, a brass candlestick from the era of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, a brass candle holder crafted for Ottoman Grand Vizier Koca Sinan Pasha, a meticulously crafted manuscript of “Delail’ül-Hayrat” by Hafız Yusuf, an Ottoman dagger adorned with gold and silver, several historic Quran manuscripts, an agate cup set embellished with precious stones, an Ottoman silk carpet, an Iznik ceramic cup, a marble fountain, and various other valuable pieces from different periods of Ottoman history.

The auction showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world and India, attracting buyers who appreciate and value these historical artifacts. The sale of these items not only highlights their artistic and historical significance but also underscores the enduring interest in preserving and collecting such treasures.