Medal: Sultan Mehmed II 1480

This bronze medal portraying Sultan Mehmed II was crafted by Bertoldo di Giovanni, around 1481. The portrait of the Sultan, adorned with a turban, immediately evokes power and authority, marking him as a ruler of immense influence. Medals such as this one echo the tradition of ancient Roman imperial portraiture, linking Mehmed II to the legacy of emperors and conquerors. Consider the turban itself, its presence transcends mere cultural attire. Head coverings, throughout history, have signified status, religious affiliation, and identity. From the turbans of Ottoman sultans to the miters of Christian bishops, these forms carry profound cultural and religious significance, shaping perceptions and conveying messages of power and spiritual authority. The visual language of power is not static; it evolves, adapts, and resurfaces, demonstrating how cultural memory shapes and reshapes our understanding of symbols through time.