Page 202 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

124 to 127 (left). Embroidered handkerchief
made for §ehzade Mehmed (details), second
quarter sixteenth century (Istanbul, Topkapi
Sarayi Muzcsi, 31/58, 31/60, 31/59, and 31/61)

128 (right). Embroidered handkerchief made for
Hiirrem Sultan (detail), second quarter sixteenth
century (Istanbul, Topkapi Sarayi Miizesi,
31/1473)

Ottomans continued this practice, as seen in the portraits of Also found in Hiirrem Sultan's mausoleum were a number
the sultans dated between the fifteenth and eighteenth centu- of embroidered headbands, which were worn by the women
ries; Süleyman was frequently depicted holding a handker- to hold their caps and headscarves in place. One of them
chief, for instance in the portrait by Nigari (see fig. 10) and (129) is covered with embroidery and decorated with rows of
several illustrations in the Suleymanname. 61 eight-petaled blossoms alternately rendered in blue, red, and
These embroidered handkerchiefs were so highly valued silver on a gold ground. It is framed by a thin red-and-gold
that they were given as gifts or awards. According to Baron chevron border and finished with a gold cord. The tapering
Busbecq, these items were the prizes in archery competitions: ends of the band were once attached to ribbons that tied be-
"The reward of victory is an embroidered towel [handker- hind the head.
chief], such as we use for wiping our faces/' 62 A second headband from the same mausoleum (130) is

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