Marifetname - معرفتنامه

An encyclopedia originally composed in 1170 AH (1756-57 CE) by İbrahim Hakkı. The present copy contains an intricately illuminated double-page seccade on ff 11v-12r, as well as copious illuminated headings. The text begins with a fihrist outlining the sections of the work (ff 1v-10v). The main text is divided into sections on different sciences (fenn), which are in turn divided into fusûl and ebvap, called nev'. The fünûn are introduced by their own ornately illuminated unvans, while the fusûl are marked in white ink on a gold-leaf background, and the enva' are signaled with red ink on a plain background. The manuscript contains the following coloured maps and diagrams :. f 23v : A chart featuring the Kâbe at its centre surrounded by various rings and levels of knowledge, as well as the path to Heaven, including the scales of divine justice and the bridge Sirat, over which all humans must pass on the Day of Judgment. f 24r : A similar chart to the previous one showing different components of the administration of justice and knowledge on Earth. f 28v : A circle diagram showing the various forms of rights and knowledge accessible through different paths (?). ff 35v-36r : Diagrams on optics, geometry, and various astronomical phenomena, including eclipses, the moon and the stars. f 39v : The earth surrounded by the orbits of the various planets and stars. f 41v : A chart correlating the seasons of the year with various astronomical signs. f 58r-v : Diagrams showing the orbits of the various planets (called felk). ff 59v-60r : A series of diagrams on understanding the position of the Sun, the Moon and other astronomical phenomena given the individual's placement on Earth. f 67r : A diagram on the angles of reflection and the position of the Sun. ff 69v-71r : A ruzname and gürrename showing correlations between the lunar and solar calendars; the times of prayer; and other calendrical information. ff 75v-76r : Diagrams on the cardinal direction, the various winds and the cycles of the Moon. f 82r : A diagram of the seven stages (?). f 82v-83r : A series of diagrams explaining the sections of the sky, followed by the division of the Earth according to the Equator, the Tropics and other forms of categorization. f 83v : A chart showing the latitude and longitude of the various segments of the globe. ff 88r-v : Four diagrams, one showing the means for taking the height of the Pole Star, two showing the division of the Earth into sections, and one showing the division of the Earth according to a number geographical concepts. f 89r-v : A chart showing the latitude and longitude of a number of well-known cities. f 90r : A map of the world with countries and continents labeled, divided into two hemispheres. f 90v : A map of the North Pole and the South Pole. f 95v : Three charts showing the Solar System up to Jupiter, along with the Moon; the annual orbit of the Earth around the Sun; and a final one explaining the angles of sight vis-à-vis observation of astronomical phenomena. f 99r : A circular diagram showing the various causes of behavior or characteristics of individuals (?). On f 338v, a statement on the composition of the work is enclosed within an intricately illuminated text box featuring floral motifs in pink, purple, maroon and white inks on a background of dark blue. The text is located within a circle enclosed within a crescent moon open towards the top of the page. The copyist is listed as el-Seyyit Ebü Bekr ül-Raci, a student of el-Seyyit ül-Hac Mehmet Taymur ül-Kimani, who lived in Erzurum. The manuscript was copied in Şeval 1235 AH (July 1820 CE).

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Purchased from J. Thornton and Son, Oxford, February 1965.