PROVO, Utah — One of the most remarkable world powers of European and Middle Eastern history now has made a comeback of sorts here.
"Empire of the Sultans" — a traveling collection of more than 200 artistic and historic Ottoman objects — opened Aug. 17 at Brigham Young University Museum of Art. The exhibit is perhaps the museum's most significant show since the "Imperial Tombs of China" and is designed for history and art buffs, families and people of all ages.
Curators hope "Sultans" will deepen the artistic and cultural appreciation of an empire that flourished for more than six centuries.
"It's exciting," said museum spokeswoman Christine Howard. "This exhibit not only shows us a dynasty that no longer exists, but also includes beautiful pieces of art work."
The Ottoman Empire began in the 13th century and extended through some of the most remarkable periods of world history until the sultanate was abolished in 1922 to make room for the modern Turkish state, according to the museum.
At its zenith, the Ottoman Empire stretched from Anatolia to the Balkans and Hungary as well as Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Arabia and most of North Africa, according to the museum.
The Ottomans left behind far more than a political legacy. The empire's rich culture is reflected in its architecture and art work and celebrated today in "Empire of the Sultans."
The show includes objects ranging from jewel-encrusted weapons and color-rich copies of the Holy Koran to ornate carpets and ceramics — perhaps the most familiar aspects of Ottoman art. The Ottomans' high regard for calligraphy in Koran texts, royal decrees, genealogy and works of science is also prominent in "Sultans."
The exhibit is displayed in galleries designed in Ottoman-style architecture, capturing the empire's culture and life in four display sections: In the Service of God; Sultans, Soldiers and Clerks; Arts and Crafts; and Books, Paintings and Scripts.
Exhibit patrons can view a short orientation video before walking through the galleries and use a personal audio "guide" that customizes the tour toward a patron's age and interests.
"Empire of the Sultans" is drawn from the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art and is making its first tour through the United States. The exhibit will be at BYU through Jan. 20, 2003.
Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and BYU faculty and staff. Family pricing is also available and includes an audio guide. Tickets are available through the Marriott Center Ticket Office by calling 1-800-322-2981. Tickets are not available through the Harris Fine Arts Ticket Office.
The BYU Museum of Art is located on North Campus Drive on the BYU campus in Provo. Museum hours during the exhibition are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is closed Sunday. Call 801-422-8287 for more information.
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com
