It's been six years since visitors to BYU's Museum of Art caught a glimpse of ancient Eastern history via the renowned "Imperial Tombs of China" exhibit. Soon art lovers and history buffs may return to BYU and witness the artistic heritage of one of the most important cultures from Middle Eastern and European history.
"Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection" will make its American debut on Aug. 17 at BYU. The exhibit, which comes to the museum from the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, will include more than 200 ornamented and historically significant objects representing the artistic, religious and political heritage of the Ottoman period.
The Ottoman Empire began in the 13th century and extended through some of the most remarkable periods of world history until the sultanate was abolished in 1922 to make room for the modern Turkish state.
At its zenith, the Ottoman Empire stretched from Anatolia to the Balkans and Hungary as well as Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Arabia and most of North Africa. The Ottomans assumed control of Constantinople in 1453 and the Holy Places of Islam in 1516.
While the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent (1520-1566) marked the golden age of the Ottoman Empire in both military achievement and artistic production, the patronage of the Ottoman sultans in every aspect of the empire's life allowed the arts and architecture to flourish for more than six centuries.
"Empire of the Sultans," which will be on display at BYU until Jan. 20, 2003, includes arms and armor, scientific instruments, textiles, manuscripts and ceramics representing myriad aspects of the Ottoman dynasties.
The museum is located on the BYU campus on North Campus Drive. Tickets for "Empire of the Sultans" go on sale July 1 and will be $8 for adults and $5 for BYU faculty, staff and students. Group and family pricing is also available. Call (801) 378-4322 for more information.