The
Baghdad Illustrations in this book, present a kaleidoscopic view of the city: Ottoman
militaries and courtiers; religious authorities and various Sufi orders; merchants from
many countries; Arab and Tartar nomads; European adventurers; local tradesmen, artisans
and servants--all act in a colorful cityscape with mosques, religious schools, private
houses of varying styles and ancient Islamic monuments. The didactic tale telling of the
Sufis is paralleled in compositions combining remote spaces and periods of time: a
storyteller represented together with the heroes of his tale, a biblical prophet with his
contemporary believers. The small manuscripts, done for a middle class rather than a royal
clientele, thus continue the urban spirit of 13th century Baghdad painting in a new,
Ottoman garb.
The
Baghdad Illustrations in this book, present a kaleidoscopic view of the city: Ottoman
militaries and courtiers; religious authorities and various Sufi orders; merchants from
many countries; Arab and Tartar nomads; European adventurers; local tradesmen, artisans
and servants--all act in a colorful cityscape with mosques, religious schools, private
houses of varying styles and ancient Islamic monuments. The didactic tale telling of the
Sufis is paralleled in compositions combining remote spaces and periods of time: a
storyteller represented together with the heroes of his tale, a biblical prophet with his
contemporary believers. The small manuscripts, done for a middle class rather than a royal
clientele, thus continue the urban spirit of 13th century Baghdad painting in a new,
Ottoman garb.
