The Hangers

These beautiful hangers were not for clothes. They were rich hanging ornaments.

In Topkapı Palace, objects like these were important signs of the Ottoman dynasty. They could be placed in rooms. They could be placed in halls. They could also be placed at entrances. They helped show the power and beauty of the ruling family.

Some hangers had a very special purpose. They were made as gifts for the tomb of Prophet Muhammad. This tomb is in the holy city of Medina. For the Ottoman sultans, sending gifts there was a deep sign of respect.

One hanger has the shape of a six-sided prism. It is decorated with a large emerald. It also has gold, diamonds, rubies, and pearls. It was ordered by Mustafa the Third. It was made to be sent to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.

A second hanger is decorated with a six-sided emerald. Pearls are set around it. A gold plate carries an inscription. It says that Sultan Abdülmecid ordered this hanger to be sent to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.