A CONTINENTAL GOLD CASE

A tughra is a calligraphic monogram, seal or signature of a sultan that was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. It was also carved on his seal and stamped on the coins minted during his reign. Very elaborate decorated versions were created for important documents that were also works of art in the tradition of Ottoman illumination. The tughra was designed at the beginning of each sultan's reign and drawn by the court calligrapher or nişancı on written documents. Tughras served a purpose similar to the cartouche in ancient Egypt or the Royal Cypher of British monarchs.