Norbert Pap, Director of the Center for East and Mediterranean Studies at University of Pecs in Hungary, recently announced that “in all likelihood” the tomb of Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificant, had been found. He went on to clarify, “We have data which all points in the same direction. That is why we say `in all certainty,' because there is no sign pointing in another direction. But more confirmation is needed, as this is a very delicate topic." Not only were there objects and wall fragments uncovered that lead to this “conclusion,” but there is also speculation that if in fact there is a tomb and it's Suleiman the Magnificent’s, then it will probably hold his heart and internal organs. Pab believes that the tomb in Southern Hungary was built over the site where the Ottoman Empire's longest-reigning Great Sultan died in 1566.
We at The Creators Project also believe we may know what’s inside this potential tomb. Based on thorough research into the art of the Ottoman Empire before 1600, we have decided to share some of our insight.Suleiman expanded the Ottoman Empire during his reign, amassing control of land and sea until, by the end of his life, the Ottoman Empire completely dominated the Mediterranean Sea and a large part of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This is due in large part to manpower, but perhaps more importantly, to weapons such as the “matchlock” musket, a bayonet equipped with a locking mechanism that enabled it be fired by hand. Prior to this, all firearms had to be lit with a match, igniting the flash pan in order to fire. Matchlock muskets allowed both hands to grip the gun while firing, drastically improving target accuracy. These weapons saw widespread use in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century and were, according to our sources, integral in the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, some version of the pioneering weapon will likely be found within the tomb.
"Iznik ware 1500 1510" by World Imaging - Own work, photographed at Istanbul Archeological Museum. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.Suleiman's dubbing, "The Magnificent," was probably based not only on his innovations in weaponry, but also on his stylish wardrobe. As a sultan he wore many lavish fabrics including silk, brocaded velvet, taffeta, mohair, and cashmere. Stringent Ottoman traditions that varied by state dictated the thread count, weight, length, twist, and dye of these textiles—each municipal code had its own set of guidelines. In all likelihood, however, Suleiman was most known for his turban-wrapped üsküf, a headdress typically worn by Sultans. This was probably daily attire for Suleiman, and might be found beside his organs. Though what shape it is in, we can only guess.
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Beyond empire expansion and sartorial pursuits, Suleiman lorded over developments in the arts as well. An artist himself—a goldsmith and a poet—his reign was known as the “Golden Age” of Ottoman art and culture. Topkapı Palace, a royal residence for Ottoman Sultans, was at the center of an imperial arts system that included over 600 artists in all varieties of mediums. The palace was surrounded by a network of artisans and craftsmen called the Ehl-i-Heref, or The Community of the Talented. There was a hierarchy within that ranged from apprentice to master and they were paid by the Empire based on their skill level. We are almost certain that Suleiman particularly loved the painting studio collective nakkşahane and its Master, Kara Memi, who promoted a naturalistic style of painting that flourished during the 1540’s to 1560’s. We know this because he commissioned a copy of the Hadis (a collection of the prophet Muhammad’s life and actions) with a lacquered cover in this style. We believe that this book will be excavated from the tomb, however, we can’t confirm its existence until Pab uncovers the actual tomb.To find out more about what’s inside Suleiman’s Tomb…we'll all have to wait until April 2016 when they plan to dig it or something else up. In the meantime, check out some more archaeology stories from The Creators Project:Here Are Imaginary Fossils from a Post-Human EarthHow Techno-Archaeology Revived "Lost" Footage From The MoonNew Exhibition Allows Visitors To Digitally Explore The Insides Of Ancient Mummies
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Beyond empire expansion and sartorial pursuits, Suleiman lorded over developments in the arts as well. An artist himself—a goldsmith and a poet—his reign was known as the “Golden Age” of Ottoman art and culture. Topkapı Palace, a royal residence for Ottoman Sultans, was at the center of an imperial arts system that included over 600 artists in all varieties of mediums. The palace was surrounded by a network of artisans and craftsmen called the Ehl-i-Heref, or The Community of the Talented. There was a hierarchy within that ranged from apprentice to master and they were paid by the Empire based on their skill level. We are almost certain that Suleiman particularly loved the painting studio collective nakkşahane and its Master, Kara Memi, who promoted a naturalistic style of painting that flourished during the 1540’s to 1560’s. We know this because he commissioned a copy of the Hadis (a collection of the prophet Muhammad’s life and actions) with a lacquered cover in this style. We believe that this book will be excavated from the tomb, however, we can’t confirm its existence until Pab uncovers the actual tomb.To find out more about what’s inside Suleiman’s Tomb…we'll all have to wait until April 2016 when they plan to dig it or something else up. In the meantime, check out some more archaeology stories from The Creators Project:Here Are Imaginary Fossils from a Post-Human EarthHow Techno-Archaeology Revived "Lost" Footage From The MoonNew Exhibition Allows Visitors To Digitally Explore The Insides Of Ancient Mummies
