Using the art of illumination in books in consideration of content-context compatibility, and its benefits forbook arts: The example of Divan Muhibbi (Kara Memi ornament)

The art of illumination dates back to Uighur Turks, and the earliest examples were found in the 12th and 13th centuries during the Seljuk Empire era. This art form developed over time and reached its climax during the 19th century. The 16th century has specific importance in the Ottoman Empire in terms of book art forms such as calligraphy, illumination, miniature, and bookbinding. When we look at the book arts education centers and the sociocultural environment in which these arts were thriving, we can suggest that Turkish book arts have always existed without interruption, albeit with delays due to the late introduction of the printing press in Turkey. During the era of Suleyman the Magnificent, many new book art forms, methods and techniques were created. One of the pioneering illustrators of the palace, Kara Memi, recreated many flower motifs by semi-stylizing them, thus resulting in this era being called the "Classical Era". As can be seen in the few illustrated hand-written manuscripts and calligraphy blocks, other Turkish book arts thrived during this era significantly, in addition to illumination. There are some points to be considered while cataloging manuscripts. Book bindings show certain features according to the date they were decorated; however, the date the book was written may not reflect its era. As clear and beautiful examples to be determined by scanning thousands of manuscripts in manuscript libraries and museums are published, more definite conclusions can be reached about Turkish bookbinding art compared to centuries. Divan-ı Muhibbi is one of the best examples of this in terms of binding and decoration. Through keywords used as one of the methods of accessing information during cataloging studies in libraries, researchers find it easier to determine which works they can refer to. This also applies to manuscript libraries. Divan Muhibbi, written by Suleyman the Magnificent with the pen name "Muhibbi" and illustrated by Kara Memi, is an important work in terms of observing the development that book arts have gone through over the centuries. This thesis provides an important and unique contribution due to this reason. Divan Muhibbi can only be seen with special permission and is protected very securely, and because it is a universally important manuscript, studying the illustrations will help us understand the importance of these works and also promote the book in other artistic and academic spheres.