An Analysis of the Mughal Period Bahâristan Manuscript in the Bodleian Library from the Perspective of Book Arts

Esra Mercan

Article Details

An Analysis of the Mughal Period Bahâristan Manuscript in the Bodleian Library from the Perspective of Book Arts

Authors:

Esra Mercan

Publisher:

Süleyman Demirel University

Main Topics:

Görsel Sanatlar (Diğer)

Journal:

Art-e Sanat Dergisi Vol.18 Issue 35, pp.236-257

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001351968

pISSN:

1308-2698

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Bahâristân, authored by Câmî and inspired by Gulistân, is a significant work in both literary and book arts traditions. Composed in a mixed style of prose and verse, the book consists of eight chapters addressing themes such as wisdom, justice, love, generosity, and the sayings of poets. Widely appreciated across the Islamic world, it has been frequently translated and copied throughout history. This study focuses on the Bahâristân manuscript housed in the Bodleian Library, produced during the Mughal era under Emperor Akbar. The manuscript is analyzed in terms of its illumination, miniature painting, and calligraphy, reflecting the aesthetic values of its period. It features a wide range of decorative elements, including narrative illustrations, vegetal and animal motifs, depictions of nature, geometric patterns, and textual embellishments. The study outlines a framework for book arts, explores Câmîs life and literary work, and presents a classification-based evaluation of the manuscripts visual elements.

 Bahâristân, authored by Câmî and inspired by Gulistân, is a significant work in both literary and book arts traditions. Composed in a mixed style of prose and verse, the book consists of eight chapters addressing themes such as wisdom, justice, love, generosity, and the sayings of poets. Widely appreciated across the Islamic world, it has been frequently translated and copied throughout history. This study focuses on the Bahâristân manuscript housed in the Bodleian Library, produced during the Mughal era under Emperor Akbar. The manuscript is analyzed in terms of its illumination, miniature painting, and calligraphy, reflecting the aesthetic values of its period. It features a wide range of decorative elements, including narrative illustrations, vegetal and animal motifs, depictions of nature, geometric patterns, and textual embellishments. The study outlines a framework for book arts, explores Câmîs life and literary work, and presents a classification-based evaluation of the manuscripts visual elements.

 Bahâristân, authored by Câmî and inspired by Gulistân, is a significant work in both literary and book arts traditions. Composed in a mixed style of prose and verse, the book consists of eight chapters addressing themes such as wisdom, justice, love, generosity, and the sayings of poets. Widely appreciated across the Islamic world, it has been frequently translated and copied throughout history. This study focuses on the Bahâristân manuscript housed in the Bodleian Library, produced during the Mughal era under Emperor Akbar. The manuscript is analyzed in terms of its illumination, miniature painting, and calligraphy, reflecting the aesthetic values of its period. It features a wide range of decorative elements, including narrative illustrations, vegetal and animal motifs, depictions of nature, geometric patterns, and textual embellishments. The study outlines a framework for book arts, explores Câmîs life and literary work, and presents a classification-based evaluation of the manuscripts visual elements.

 Câmînin kaleme aldığı Bahâristân, hem edebi içeriği hem de kitap sanatları açısından dikkate değer bir eserdir. Câmînin Gülistândan ilham alarak yazdığı eser nazım ve nesir karışık bir şekilde sekiz bölümden oluşmaktadır. Bilgelik, adalet, aşk, cömertlik ve şairlerin sözleri gibi konuları ele alan Bahâristân, İslam ülkelerinde büyük ilgi görmüş ve farklı dönemlerde birçok kez tercüme ve istinsah edilmiştir. Bu çalışma, Abdurrahman Câmînin Bahâristân adlı eserinin Bodleian Kütüphanesindeki MS. Elliott 254 envanter numaralı nüshasını ele almaktadır. Babürlüler Döneminde, Ekber Şahın hükümdarlığı sırasında hazırlanan ve dönemin estetik anlayışını yansıtan bu nüshanın tezhip, minyatür ve hat sanatı açısından bir incelemesinin sunulması amaçlanmıştır. Eserde hikâye resimleri, bitkisel ve hayvansal bezemeler, doğa betimlemeleri, geometrik desenler ve yazı içi bezemeler gibi geniş bir süsleme çeşitliliği bulunmaktadır. Çalışmada önce kitap sanatlarına dair genel bir çerçeve çizilmiş, ardından Abdurrahman Câmînin hayatı ve Bahâristânın edebî içeriği incelenmiş; son olarak, yazmadaki tasvir ve bezemeler sınıflandırılarak eser üzerine kapsamlı bir değerlendirme sunulmuştur.

Article Details

An Analysis of the Mughal Period Bahâristan Manuscript in the Bodleian Library from the Perspective of Book Arts

Authors:

Esra Mercan

Publisher:

Süleyman Demirel University

Main Topics:

Görsel Sanatlar (Diğer)

Journal:

Art-e Sanat Dergisi Vol.18 Issue 35, pp.236-257

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001351968

pISSN:

1308-2698

Baharistan

Mughal

Cami

Miniature

IlluminationBaharistan

Babürlüler

Cami

minyatür

tezhip

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Esra Mercan

Publisher: Süleyman Demirel University

Main Topics: Görsel Sanatlar (Diğer)

Journal: Art-e Sanat Dergisi Vol.18 Issue 35, pp.236-257

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 4/2025

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2001351968

pISSN: 1308-2698

Issues

Authors:

Esra Mercan

Publisher:

Süleyman Demirel University

Main Topics:

Görsel Sanatlar (Diğer)

Journal:

Art-e Sanat Dergisi Vol.18 Issue 35, pp.236-257

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001351968

pISSN:

1308-2698