Murad IV

This replica exhibited in your room is of one of the 87 talismanic shirts from the Collection of Sultan’s Clothing at Topkapi Palace and it is considered to have belonged to Murat IV according to the prayers, motives and meanings of the talisman on the shirt and therefore was adorned with one of his poems…

May this talisman make you forever invincible and your life long…

This talismanic shirt belonged to Murat IV. Its story starts with a dream of Sheik Al-Islam Yahya who was also a famous poet. In his dream, Murat is a successful emperor however some things are clouding over his success. Dream interpreters of the palace foresee that dreadful events might befall upon the Sultan’s life and a talismanic shirt to show appreciation for God may annihilate these events. Thereafter consults the Sheik Yahya the Head Augur…

The rituals start with calculation of the propitious moment by analysing the birth date of Sultan Murat. The weaving of cloths takes long and toilsome time. Lastly, the calligraphers do their final touches and the shirt which will make the success and life of the Sultan everlasting becomes ready.

The talismanic shirt is made of white cotton cloth; collarless, short sleeved and with front and back slits. Although the couture and ornaments are not the best of its kind, the colour choice is what differs this shirt from the others; various shades of yellow, brown, black and green are not commonly used on talismanic shirts. Two medallions placed on the upper front side stand for power and victory. These medallions, each filled with prayers, are repeatedly used on other parts of the shirt. These prayers and surahs mean infinite power of God and appreciation for Him.

Murat IV became sultan when he was 12 years old; being the youngest sultan of Ottoman Empire until then. For this reason he reigned under the control of his mother Mahpeyker Kosem Sultan for a long time. By the time Sultan Murat succeeded to the throne, the order in Ottoman Empire had deteriorated. The streets were unsafe; drug abuse increased. Janissaries started doing unspeakable things such as controlling the sons of sultans, retaining the sultans; putting the Empire into trouble rebelling every other day. Being the Sultan in these awful conditions, Murat IV could still manage to extinguish all these damaging doings with both the help of his mother and his personal capabilities.

He was a poet, calligrapher, horseback rider and incredibly strong. Although he often took extreme precautions, he supposedly enjoyed getting into public, helping with their problems, joining small entertainments and such. There is a story we would like to share: A man called Mustafa who was a colourful character with his jokes and sense of humour was living during the time of Murat IV. Mustafa, coming from a rich family, was known amongst people for drinking wine at any time. On one of the days when alcohol consumption was prohibited, Murat IV was wandering around on streets in disguise to see for himself. He run into Mustafa on the way. Mustafa, recognising the Sultan, quickly hid the wine jug behind himself. Having noticed, Murat IV asked him to put out his hand. Mustafa drew his empty hand upon which Murat IV said "Your other hand". Mustafa, then, skilfully swapped the wine and drew his other hand empty again. This time Murat IV asked him to put out both his hands to which Mustafa jokingly answered: "Oh my Sultan, please, let’s not waste this dear jug." He was, of course, forgiven…

Somehow, this talismanic shirt had never been worn…