An evaluation of the illumination art in the Qur'an manuscript No. B-16 at the Beyazıt Library

Art plays a significant role in the formation and preservation of the culture and civilization of societies. The Ottoman Empire utilized art effectively, enriching its achievements derived from interaction with various cultures and civilizations by shaping them into its own distinctive style. Thanks to the importance the sultans placed on scholarly, cultural, and artistic activities, exceptional works were produced in every branch of art, some of which have survived to the present day. Works created in the field of book arts occupy a pivotal place in this regard. Alongside scholarly and literary works, particular emphasis was given to the writing and decoration of religious texts. Among the various forms of book arts, Qur'an manuscripts (Mushaf-ı Şerif) hold a special place. Motivated by the deep reverence and devotion to the Holy Qur'an, advancements were made in this field, paving the way for the emergence of new artistic styles. There are numerous Qur'an manuscripts in museums and manuscript libraries that have been acquired through donations, gifts, purchases, or inheritance. Each of these Qur'an manuscripts—where the illumination art finds widespread application—warrants individual examination. The subject of this thesis is the Qur'an manuscript with the inventory number B16 at the Istanbul Beyazıt Manuscript Library. Prepared in the 16th-century Safavid era Shiraz style, this manuscript stands as a valuable resource for study thanks to its binding, calligraphy, and rich illumination examples. In this thesis, the 16th-century Safavid art is explored in the context of the Shiraz style, with the aim of analyzing its influences on Ottoman book art and examining the manuscript's illumination in detail. Keywords: Mushaf, Shiraz, Safavid, Illumination (Tezhip), Book Art.