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Learn/ Educators/ Curriculum Resources/ Art of the Islamic World/ Unit Five: Courtly Splendor in the Islamic World/ Chapter Two: Art and Empire—The Ottoman Court
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Chapter Two: Art and Empire—The Ottoman Court

Tile with floral and cloud-band design

Tile with floral and cloud-band design. About 1578. Turkey, Iznik

After reading this chapter, you will be able to:

  • identify the visual qualities and functions of objects produced under Ottoman patronage
  • understand the role of the Ottoman court workshops in generating a unified dynastic visual language, seen across a range of media, that spread throughout the empire
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Introduction

At its height, the Ottoman empire (1299–1923) stretched across three continents and ruled over a linguistically, religiously, ethnically, and culturally diverse population.

The Ottoman Empire

Osman Gazi (reigned 1299–1324)—known in Italy as Ottomano, hence the English term Ottoman—was a Turkish tribal leader and the founder of the Ottoman dynasty.

Ottoman Art

Two different but distinctly Ottoman styles emerged in the court workshop.

Featured Works of Art: Images 23–26

Read in-depth information about featured works of art related to this unit.

Suggested Readings and Resources

A list of resources for additional reading, with grade levels indicated

Sources

A list of sources used to compile the information in this unit