Turkish "miniature" art is based on a very ancient tradition originating in Central Asian homeland of the Turks dating back to and beyond the Uygur Turks (744-1038 Common Era). The Uygur Turks were the first Turks to reach a high level of culture and civilization, creating the second Turkish alphabet (which was adopted by Cengiz Khan after his conquest of these littoral Uygur Turks). Unfortunately, very few Uygur "miniatures" have remained until the present day.

Another very informative site for Turkish miniatures from the Turkish journal of collectable art.

Upon the first migrations of the Western (Oguz) Turks into Asia Minor, the Turks brought along their art style with them. The Turkish empire centering in Asia Minor was established in the 11th century by the Selcuk dynasty. The Selcuk painters continued with traditional characters with round faces and slanting Turk eyes, but began to develop their own style, using new unique red backgrounds, as well as adding ornate margins mainly in dark blue and yellow.

Osmanli Turkish "miniature" paintings started with the 1453 conquest of Istanbul (then Constantinople) by Mehmet Han. Cultural and economic development flurished, Turkish and European painters visited one another and exchanged ideas and techniques. But in spite of this, Turkish painting maintained its old traditions and continued to produce works of beauty and artistic value.

Below, you can see a listing of a few samples I have recently scanned.

Eternal battle between Iran & Turan (land of Turks)
Turks are known for their great archery & horsemanship. It is chronicled that Turkish warriors could shoot 60 arrows in one minute to rear targets, while riding their horse forwards at full gallop.
The cycle of life and death depicted with lion & ox
The great Turkish leader Timur Khan visiting a wise hermit
Two Turkish armies at war
Typical scene for a Selcuk Turk bard singing, playing lute, while being visited by animals
A gold & turquoise book cover of Fairy with traditional calligraphy
The legendary Shirin visiting her love Ferhat
Closer view of Shirin (left) visiting Ferhat (right)

Named "the Magnificent" by Europeans, the reign of Suleyman began in 1520. The Ottoman Empire had reached its height and was at its most powerful, unchallegned & unstopable by any combination of European forces both on land and sea. The Ottomans were unquestionably the ultimate world superpower of its age. Below you can view a few of the miniatures chronicling the events of Suleyman's time. If you have some images you would like me to add, please send them to me Enjoy...