Examining the visual elements of the talismanic shirts used by the Ottoman Sultans in terms of graphic design and their applications with screen printing technique

This study includes the analysis of talismanic shirts worn by Ottoman sultans in terms of graphic design and the applications of the screen-printing technique upon the shirts. By this means, the objective is to increase awareness of talismanic shirts, which have importance in our history. Ever since they first appeared, talismanic shirts have been prepared with great effort and craftmanship by the chief augurs, calligraphists and miniaturists of their time, all based on the belief that these shirts protected the individual from evil, restored health and rendered the wearer victorious in wartime. These shirts were the result of full hand workmanship and were completed over a long period of time, as they were prepared by being subjected to various processes, according to the period in which they were crafted. Nowadays, talismanic shirts are preserved with care in various museums, where visitors are welcomed to view these artifacts. But these shirts, which reflect the history, belief, desires and wishes of the public of that era through art, are only known by those who have taken an interest in them. During this study, which was generated based on the qualitative scanning model, the visual components used on the talismanic shirts have been studied according to graphic design principles and have been contextualized with advancing technology. Concurrently, they have been categorized in five subjects according to their purpose of use, being "Victory, Triumph and Achievement", "Healing and Illness", "Abundance, Plentifulness, Wealth", "Warning Off Evil and Spells", and "Affection, Family, Loyalty". Furthermore, five designs were prepared within the scope of the study by way of benefiting from computer-aided programs and these designs were then printed on t-shirts, using the screen-printing technique and also keeping mass production conditions in mind. Keyword: Talismanic Shirt, Graphic Design, Serigraphy Press, T-shirt