The MUFTI or popular CHIEF of RELIGION (Ottoman - Costume) Original

Stipple engraving of THE MUFTI OR CHIEF OF RELIGION (Costume - Ottoman Empire)

Hand colored.

Published by W. Miller. London. Engravings dated 1802,

An exquisitely engraved and hand colored image, from Octavian Dalvimart's "The Costume of Turkey" which was first published in 1802.

Each hand-colored plate, drawn from life in 1798 by Octavien Dalvimart and stipple-engraved by John Dadley and William Poole, is accompanied by an explanation of the figure's role, responsibility and details of dress, written by Miller (misattributed by Hiler to William Alexander).

In no part pf the world have the ministers of religion more power than in Turkey, particularly t he higher orders. In the grand Mufti, or Scheik-islam, is combined almost the supreme power of the law as well as of religion. On all questions of a doubtful nature he is consulted, even by the Sultan popular himself, who promulgates no law, does not declare war, or levy any tax until until he received the Mufti's sanction; and his decisions are called fetfas. It is the Mufti, who girds on his sabre at his coronation, reminding him at the same time of his duty to promote the welfare of religion. To counterbalance, however, this vast power of the Mufti, which would otherwise be equal to that of the Sultan, the latter is able to depose, banish, or even to put the Mufti to death, should be displease him. Hence he is, too frequently, the mere slave of he Sultan. The Muftis in the different parts of the empire are all appointed by the grand Mufti, who resides at Constantinople, and they here act in a double capacity: as expounders of the Koran and law-givers, but they can never be appointed judges, although they form a part of the body of Ulemas.
The contempt, which all Mussulmen have for those of a different religion, shews itself in the courts of justice, where the evidence of a Jew or a Christian is not often admitted, and when it is, that of one Mussulman has more weight than the positive evidence of ten, who profess a contrary religion.


Very good condition. An attractive print together with a separate sheet of descriptive text in both English and French.

This BEAUTIFUL colored print provides us a snapshot in history of early study of Turkish costume and culture.

This is an ORIGINAL antique print NOT a reproduction.

Sizes: 35cm x 25.8cm

Condition: Very good

Original prints can have some imperfections due to the age. Please consult the images attentively.

Passe-partout is not included.
Frame is not included.

Shipping: Our prints are placed between protective cardboards. They will be packed in bubble envelopes.

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