Seyyid Lokman
Sayyid Loqman ibn Hoseyn al-Ashuri al-Hoseyni al-Ormavi, better simply known as Seyyid Lokman (active c. 1569 – 1596), was an Ottoman author, who collaborated with different artists to create numerous notable works in the genre of şehnames, or “king’s books”.
In order to create a series of şehnames, the Ottoman sultans employed şehnamecis, or official court historians who composed the text.
In the process of producing the şehnames, şehnamecis chose their team of calligraphers, painters, gilders, bookbinders, and miniaturists to create the work.
Lokman later held a position of private secretary for Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, who worked under Sultan Süleyman from 1565 to 1579, when he was murdered.
[6] This story was originally orally recited in market places and courts and grew in popularity amongst both the elite upper class as well as the literate poor.
The original adaption of the şehname genre into Ottoman culture remained in Persian verse, even though focused on contemporary events rather than historical or mythical ones.
[4] As şehnameci, Lokman held both an administrative and creative position, he was responsible for not only composing the text for the projects the sultan approved, but he was also in charge of coordinating its production.
These responsibilities included assembling a team of artisans to make the manuscript (scribes, painters, illuminators and bookbinders), determining their salary, and gathering the materials needed.
[6] The title of şehnameci still held a great deal of weight and prestige though, allowing Lokman to become a member of the imperial servants or Muteferrika.
These efforts were reflected in his work – he would not only write about the sultan in a favorable light but also his potential patrons, emphasizing the contributions and positive characteristics of each.
[5] Some of the most famous works Lokman produced or supervised were the History of Sultan Süleyman, Şehname-I Selim Han, Şehinşehname, Hünername, Zubtedu’t tevarih, Kiyafetu’l-ins aniye fi sema’il-u’l-Osmaniye, and Surname.
More than half of the illustrations were about the battles of Selim II’s commanders suppressing its rivals, underlining Ottoman superiority and heroic efforts.
It is connected in two volumes and contains 89 miniatures mainly about the history of Sultan Süleyman, Selim II, Murad III, and Sokollu Mehmed Pasha.
The first part is a broader record of history, including the creation of the universe and zodiacs, stories from religious texts and the genealogical framework stretching from Adam to Muhammad, the Shi’ite imams, and different caliphs.
The Second part of this text begins with the founding of the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Osman and illustrates its history until the reign of Murad III.
[8] Kiyafetu’l-ins aniye fi sema’il-u’l-Osmaniye (Human Physiognomy and the Disposition of the Ottomans) was created in 1579 by Lokman and illustrated by Nakkaş Osman.
It is a portrait album that describing the facial and physical features of the twelve rulers of the Ottoman dynasty from its founder to Murad III.
[9] The Elogia contained oil painted portraits of Ottoman sultans, which interested Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, the grand vizier of the time.
Persian artistic culture was also used as inspiration for the historical accounts because of their tradition of exclusive genealogy and mention of Ottomans as their heirs.
[9] Historical works such as Hünername and Zubtedu’t tevarih, written by Lokman, show an emphasis on the history of Ottoman leaders.
[4] Therefore, the increasing impossibility of depicting the Ottoman sultan as a war hero and the decline of the composition of şehname started to undermine the position of şehnameci.
