118 -essenzz SPIENGOUL Ati ng in Malaysia lca? The Ottoman empire, which lasted over 620 yeors, was one ofthe ‘most powerful empires the world has ever known. At its apex. dUe Ing the 16th to 17th centuries, the empire spanned three continents ~ Southeastem Europe, Western Asia and North Afi, end its might \was felt even in Southeast Asia, where Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah al kKahhar of Acheh declared allegiance to the Ottoman empire in 1585, and requested supportin the fight against the Portuguese in Malcea Although the empire eventually dissolved, its artistic legacy, which evolved over centuries, absorbing and adapting cultures ofthe lands they had conquered, survives to this day. One can beat witness othe {golden age of this magnificent empire in the Topkapi ray in tanbul Turkey, which vas the offical residence of the Ottoman Sultans ft 400 years between the 15th tothe 19th centuries. But closer to home, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia provides a glimpse into life Inthe imperial city through is collection of Ottoman artefacts. Looking at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia's Ottoman collection, i's not hard to imagine what must have taken place within the wale of the Topkapi Saray, where the Sultan reigned over his vast empl From his eat of power, he sued frmans (royal decrees) adored with his imperial signature (tughra), which were dutifully copled by cour Scribes. Scholars converged upon the imperial city from all corners of theworld and the Sultan commissionedreligious, teraryandhistorcl "manuscripts, as well as bookbinding, caligraphy,illuminations and Mustrations to glorify his name and display his power.‘Although the ultan wielded greatauthorityinanempire that was immense, he did not disregard the power of God. An inscription on the Imperial Gate ofthe Topkapi Saray reads:'By the Grace of God, and by His approval ‘the foundations of this auspicious castle were lai and spars were solidly joined together to strengthen peace and tranquility ...May God make eternal his empire, and feat his residence above the most lucid stars ofthe firmament, Ottoman culture and art flourished under the Sultan's patronage, and in his imperial atelier, known a¢ EhiHliet, skiled craftsmen, incusing "goldsmiths, jewellers, arms makers, woad workers, cloth makers, tembroiderers, weavers, lassblowers and potters from all pats of his empire tol night and day to cater tothe luxurious demands of the courts. Sharing a decorative visual vocabulary their works overflowed with favoured ‘motifs of pomegranate, tulip, carnation, sa2 leaf, and Wealthy merchants plied their trade onthe Bosphorous ‘long the river, they lived in lavish wooden vill (yall). These stately mansions, decorated with elaborate mirored surfaces as wel as painted and gilt woodwork, remain as a testimony to the opulent and cultured lifestyles of ther owners. One may get a hint of the ‘opulence of such lavish interiors via the Islamic Art "Museum Malaysia's Ottoman Room and thelr Living with Wood Gallery, which depictsa slice of life in the imperial city and displays a handsome collection of Ottoman, textiles, ceramics and woodwork It's simply a must-see forall lovers of heritage and fine ats. 1.Bottle pointes inre 16th centuy AD 2, Ceremonial gloves let . tinsel and sequins, 19 cntuy AD 3. Woman’s robe - Vet itry &, Seribe'sbox:Weedledin mater oper ‘Incense burner erisoresfeet sie 10 centr AD oth