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Ottoman War Academy Diploma

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War Academy was one the prestigious schools of the Ottoman era and this diploma with an Ottoman coat of arms on top, is one the remnants of those days, dated 1911. No, it is not valuable because the school literally spit out officers to accommodate one war after another. Nothing has changed much since then, except the names, of course. In order to superficially comply with the "peace" theme of 20th century, War Academy has become General Service School and Ministry of War is now called Ministry of Defense as in most parts of the world. Exegesis at its finest. Dimensions: 74x50 cm. Estimated value: $150
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Tarot Cards with Ottoman Figures

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I have never been a believer of astrology, fortune telling or tarot, our subject. My aunt is a good fortune teller, or so people say, and always sees money and more money in my cup of Turkish coffee such that after she finishes the telling, people start looking at me, with expectations I guess. That feeling, people being extra nice, incredibly gentle and helpful, lasts for a few days and I enjoy it. So, whenever I have expectations from those around, I often ask my aunt to tell me what lies ahead. Since most of you will not be around (physically), I can tell you the truth: I am still poor. Yet, there is no reason not to try your luck with these cards, maybe Ottomans will help you. Be creative :-) Estimated value: $ 120
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Mihrimah Sultan Mosque by Uskudarli Cevat

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I picked Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, an oil on canvas, by Uskudarli Cevat (1870-1939) not for his value or superb brushwork of its painter, nor its value. The architect of the mosque was Sinan and he was madly in love with Mihrimah, an Ottoman princess. When he was commissioned for the job, he secretly set out to build two instead of one, facing each other albeit the distance. Mihrimah is combination of two words in Persian: the Sun and the Moon. If you happen to be in Istanbul around spring equinox on March 21st and want to witness what love is capable of, just find a convenient spot between the mosques. You will notice while the sun is setting behind the first one in the west, a new moon will be rising behind the second in the east. His feelings for her, however, were not returned. C'est la vie! Dimensions: 60x68 cm Estimated value: $ 7,500
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