"Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection"
2000-07-30 until 2000-10-08
Detroit Institute of Art
Detroit, MI, USA

Explore the vitality of Ottoman artistic expression across five centuries. From the Nasser Khalili collection, one of the most important private collections of Islamic Art in the world, Empire of the Sultans contains more than 200 objects illustrating the great variety and beauty of works produced under Turkish Ottoman rule.

These works were created by artists and craftsmen from throughout the Ottoman empire, not only by Turks from the homeland, but also people from the Balkan lands, Armenians, Greeks, Egyptians, Syrians and North Africans. These different traditions united to form the arts of the empire. On the other hand, Ottoman court art, developed for the Imperial Palace, set the artistic fashions and in turn influenced aesthetic values throughout the far-flung empire. These various styles brought into being a wealth of objects that included rich carpets and brocaded silks and velvets, beautifully illuminated Korans, elegant calligraphy, and dazzling ceramics and metalwork.

At its height the Empire stretched from North Africa to Iran, and from Greece north to Hungary, ruling much of the Near East and parts of Europe. The Ottomans (1342-1922), originally Turkic tribesmen from Central Asia, ruled for 600 years, making them the longest surviving dynastic state in Islamic history.

In addition to viewing these wonderful objects, a special family path allows families to experience the Empire through a series of hands-on activities. Guests can outfit an Ottoman warrior, chart their family tree, or listen to Turkish stories and music.

IMAGE:
Calligraphic Lion, 1913;
Ahmed Hilmi,
Ottoman Turkey.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of

Other Important Exhibitions in Detroit