Relation between Ottoman stamps and Exlibrii as property signs

In the first part of this study, which is mainly focused on the detailed examination of the stamps and exlibrii as two close property signs, the concept of property has been evaluated in chronological and cultural basis. Carved and scraped depictions are known since the ancient times and there are also some signs and/or handprints have been found together with these depictions. Those signs and handprints can be identified as the first "printed" examples. Carved and scraped stamps, their origins and the differentiation of stamps and amulets have been examined in the second part of this study. Beside being historical evidences, stamps also carry information on cultures. They represent a great artistic importance with the visual compositions supported by text and picture. Moulding technique is the strongest reason that stamps are considered under the terminology of Original Print Painting Art. Under the headline of Ottoman Stamps, which are the most beautiful stamp examples of Turkish Culture, some observations have been made on different usages of Tugra and stamps that used mostly as signatures. Early Ottoman Stamps, Late Ottoman Stamps and the stamps from II. Constitutional Period, which the last one is the main subject of this study, are examined in the light of various visual examples, in the perspective of form, design and usage. There are experimental examples of printing art since the prehistoric ages, as the earliest ones were mostly on hard surfaces like rocks and horns. Firstly terracotta, rocks and hard-wood have been chosen as materials for stamps, and different materials and techinques came later, and are mentioned in this study. Exlibris is a visual communication method by being stamped on the interior cover of a book that belongs to a library, and visually represent its owner as an identification and property sign. The function, history and the examples of exlibrii in Turkey has been mentioned in the third part of this study. And finally, 11 Ottoman Stamps and 14 Exlibrii have been chosen from the dates between 1912 and 1920 (II. Constitutional Period) and compared regarding to their functions, forms, materials, decoration techniques and designs. The last part of this study shows the similarities and differences between these two concepts. The main aim of this study is to examine and find the common points of Ottoman Stamps and Exlibrii, in a certain time period. But also, it aims to emphasize the importance of these arts, evaluate the efforts to support artists on these and provide a technical and conceptional bibliography for the individuals willing to work on these spesific branches of arts. Keywords: Property, Property Tools, Stamps, Ottoman Stamps, Exlibris, II. Constitutional Period