Embroidery c. 1900

This square embroidery was created by an unknown artist, and its origin is not definitively known. The embroidery is replete with cultural symbols. Notice the calligraphic emblem at its center: the tughra, a calligraphic monogram, seal, or signature of an Ottoman sultan. Tughras were used for official documents and currency, making this an unmistakable reference to Ottoman authority. The creator of this textile may have been navigating issues of identity and cultural expression by combining traditional techniques with explicit symbols of power. Embroidery was often a domestic activity, an emotional outlet, and a means of storytelling. It could reflect women's personal experiences, hopes, and resistance to cultural norms. In considering this artwork, we're reminded that objects like this are more than just decorative. They are a testament to the enduring power of art to speak to and shape our understanding of societal issues.