Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi Kütüphanesi'ndeki murakkaların katı' bezemeleri

The art of paper filigree differs from other arts of the book in that it is an art that presents its magic to viewers with light. This thesis examines the paper filigree ornamented muraqqa in the Topkapı Palace Museum Collection; it surveys books, articles, and theses written about the topic; and presents a detailed clasfficiation of paper filigree work according to their designs, motifs, and paper type. The murakka TSMK H.2153, H.2170, H.2171, H.2142, H.2159, H.2165 and H.2294, which were identified in the process of this research, which carry the traces of their periods' understanding of ornamentation and which contain inside their compositions of uniquely sophisticated rûmî and hatâyî groups various stylized animal and tree ornamentation, form the topic of this work. This thesis has benefited from research, documents, calatogs, and digital documents carried out in the Topkapı Palace Museum Library, Center for Islamic Studies and Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts Library. After the artifacts were identified, permission was obtained from the Library of Topkapı Palace Museum and detailed investigation was started on muraqqa. Paper filigree work technique analysis, measurement, color, motif and pattern analysis of the works subject to our thesis were analyzed through one-to-one examinations on digital media and on the work. Our thesis titled "Paper Filigree Work (katı') of the Muraqqas at the Topkapı Palace Museum Libraru" consists of three chapters. In the "Introduction" section, general information was given. In the chapter titled "The Art of Paper Filigree", the meaning of the word katı' (paper filigree), the various techniques, materials and application areas are explained in detail. The historical development of the art of paper filigree, whose roots are in leather-working, is known to have first emerged in Herat, and which reached its most developed expression during the sixteenth century rule of Süleyman the Magnificent, has been discussed, along with its master craftsmen and works of paper filigree according to various periods. With natural dyes/paints the papers prepared in traditional ways; by carving one layer, in muraqqas and in handwritten books pages, its transformation into letters and motifs; and the spring gardens which were sized through layered carving, their overflowing from the plates and transforming into writing drawer were described. In the section entitled "Paper Filigree Ornamentation of the Muraqqas at Topkapı Palace Museum Library", information is given on paper filigree ornamented murakkas there, which was a very rich, unique collection and which reflects the artistic understanding and subtleties of their times. Seven muraqqas' ,which are in the collection of TSMK were examined from the perspective of paper filigree ornamented pages, papers used, cut paper work techniques and pattern properties. Finally in the applications section, information is provided about the works which are produced using the technique of paper filigree. The study was completed by providing a bibliography, abbreviations, and list of figures and illustrations Keywords : Muraqqa, Cut Paper Work, Ornamentation