The Missing Culture

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

Dated 1732, this ferman of Sultan Mahmud I can be considered one of the outstanding examples of Ottoman calligraphy. Considering it was written only for the ordinary task of transfer of tax collection rights to Esseyyid İbrahim upon Eyüb Sabri's death (none of them had any historical significance), the amount of work put in it is remarkable, it is like getting your tax return with a document like this. Written in ruby, gold and black ink in celi divani style, enameled with gold flowers, it really shines. Dimensions: 128.5x52.5 cm. Estimated value: $45,000

Whenever I look at this late nineteenth century (1893) map of Catholic missions (carte ecclesiastique) in Ottoman Empire, I can not help but remember Mary Doria Russell's science fiction book "The Sparrow" with a naughty smile on my face, grinning a grin as they say. In her award winning book (Best Book by British SF Writers, James Tiptree Jr., Arthur C. Clarke and John W. Campbell awards), Russell tells us about a discovery of an earth-like planet and the race to launch an expedition between various organizations and countries. To our surprise, the first to successfully organize a mission is neither United Nations nor a space faring country but the Catholic Church, the Jesuits to be exact. As long as they do not pose an imminent threat to the dynasty, the Empire was generally tolerant to religious institutions and many missions flourished throughout the country. I really wish I had a higher resolution image of it. Dimensions: 100x80 cm. Estimated value: $1,000

Unlike his ferman, Sultan Mustafa IV's reign was not so beautiful. After a revolt which led to his predecessor's murder, he reached the throne on May 29, 1807, but practically Topal Ataullah Efendi, the religious leader of the time, was effectively controlling the government. When Ataullah's religious style proved too orthodox, the opposition planned a coup under the leadership of Alemdar Mustafa Pasha. Mustafa IV tried killing their own brothers to keep the throne, but Alemdar's forces saved Mahmud II, killing Mustafa and Ataullah; it was too late for Selim III, the other brother. His ferman still shines though; clear, pastel colors, one of the best I have seen. Dated 1807. Dimensions: 78x52.5 cm. Estimated value: $ 7,500

Ertugrul (this is the correct spelling) yacht was built for Sultan Abdulhamid II by Elswick Shipyard in Great Britain. Upon his wish, she was equipped with four 4.7 inch cannons (now, what do we call her, still a yacht?). The launch ceremony was held on Dec 30, 1903. Sadly, the Sultan never set foot on board her, and Madame Fortune had other plans in mind. She was ordered to transport ammunition in World War I to Dardanelles and only served its true purpose after the declaration of Turkish Republic, between 1925 and 1930 as a presidential yacht, hosting diplomatic visitors. She was lucky, though. Her ancestor by the same name, Ertugrul frigate had sunk near Yokohama, Japan on a friendly mission on Sep 16, 1890. Estimated value: $ 1,200

This is an interesting one. It is a mystery, at least to me, how this letter got out from the office of the President. Legally, this should be returned and/or seized by the government as it truly belongs to the state. After their successful landing on the Moon with Apollo 11, the astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin Aldrin had visited a few countries including Turkey. They later sent a letter thanking the then President Cevdet Sunay for the audience they were granted. With the NASA letterhead, dated 25 Oct 1969, the letter signed by the astronauts is clearly marked as addressed to the President, and I think, should be returned to the state archives but showed up in a 2008 auction. Estimated value: $ 300

If you asked me who were the most daring investors despite their appearance, I would definitely say the British. When it comes to risking their money in exotic and unheard places, no one can beat them. Here is a preference share of Syria Ottoman Railway Company Limited issued to the name of one Henry Drayson Pilcher of London. He had no problem throwing his 20 pounds away - assuming he had bought only one share - in a company operating in a geography that would soon be divided in such a way that its repercussions would still make one thing in the area nearly impossible: peace. Dated 1893. Estimated value: $ 75

This certificate issued by Mehmed IV (1648 - 1687), extends a tax collection privilege of 6000 akces (the currency of the time) to the children of Seyhsunullah, upon his death, in the Gulabek district of Malatya area. Bears the signature in gold and a handwriting of the Sultan himself, it was written in gold and ink in Istanbul, in 1654. The 12th line has been restored. There were two basic forms of certificates issued by the sultans, the fermans which were simply orders, and berats. Berats certified a title, termination or transfer of them or could be a privilege, grant, and even a patent. Dimensions: 110x37 cm. Estimated worth: $ 23,000