Inscribed Memory: Calligrapher Hafız Osman and His Attributed Inscriptions

Kitabes (inscriptions) serve as lasting testaments to cultural, artistic, and historical narratives, preserving heritage for future generations. This study examines two inscriptions in Üsküdar attributed to the renowned calligrapher Hafız Osman Efendi (1052-1110/1642–1698): the fountain inscription of the Şehit (Sarı) Süleyman Pasha Mosque in Doğancılar and the tombstone inscription of Köprülü Damadı Siyavuş Pasha in the Karacaahmet Tunusbağı Cemetery. Both inscriptions commemorate individuals associated with the Köprülü household, the most influential political family of the period, and highlight the dual function of calligraphy as both an artistic medium and a socio-political tool. This study approaches the inscriptions from artistic, historical, and technical perspectives, exploring the intricate interplay between art, politics, and Sufism in the 17th century Ottoman Empire. It also draws on newly uncovered archival documents related to Hafız Osman’s life, shedding light on his contributions to the Ottoman government and personal struggles. Lastly, the study highlights the critical importance of preserving these inscriptions as cultural and historical records.