Clocks from the Ottoman Empire are fine examples of clocks made for the Turkish or Ottoman Market. The first documented appearance of a clock in the Ottoman Empire dates back to 1531, when a Venetian claimed to have seen a gold ring with a clock purchased in Venice by Sultan Suleiman I. This first manifestation of the Ottoman interest in watches caused Western envoys to present watches to the sultans in order to obtain favors. Soon after, clocks and watches were equally inherited by local rulers and officials. The number of clocks and clocks in the empire increased even more with an agreement made with Austria in 1547, which stipulated that a large sum of money, silver, jewelry and clocks be paid to prevent Ottoman attacks. These clocks and clocks, which were specially produced for the Ottomans, gradually increased the demand for watches in the region. Religion certainly played an important role as well. As Muslims, the Ottomans were obliged to pray five times a day, and the determination of prayer times was always the concern of religious leaders. The first clocks were used in the monasteries of the Mevlevi Dervishes in Istanbul, as was the case in medieval Europe, where it is believed that the first clocks were used to organize daily worship in monasteries. In the 18th century, Swiss, French and English watchmakers began to compete for the Ottoman market and opened branches in Istanbul. Watches were decorated with Islamic dials in accordance with local tastes, for example, with enamel scenes depicting Bosphorus views or religious motifs, and most importantly with lavishly decorated cases. These clocks and wall clocks became a common feature in palaces on the Bosphorus. Correspondence between European watchmakers and trade included extensive lists of watches and clocks supplied to the Ottoman Empire. Some Ottoman miniatures show ceremonies where valuable gifts such as watches are given to the sultan. The nature of such gifts reflected the idealized values of the giver and recipient, the value determined by status and prestige, as well as by political interest and purpose. These flamboyant objects, which are the symbols of luxury and wealth, were highly ornamented and adorned with precious stones. Examples of clocks and wall clocks made for the Ottoman Empire are on permanent display in Istanbul Topkapi Palace. The collection includes more than 300 watches from the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century, many diplomatic gifts from Western countries used in palace harems and pavilions, and the most valuable pieces are kept in the treasury. The famous Turkish writer of the 20th century, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpynar, writes in his novel The Time Regulation Institute: "The watch is the owner's best friend, a companion to the rhythm of his pulse on his wrist, a friend sharing his whole being on his chest." The joys and sorrows that are warmed by the warmth of his body and integrated with his organism, the clock that sits on his table and experiences all the events of the time period we call the day, inevitably resembles its owner. and get used to thinking and living like him.” Clocks and clocks today may have more sophisticated mechanisms, but in beauty and splendor those of the past are unmatched. Julien Le Roy, Horloger à Paris, from Paris to become Breguet's representative in the Ottoman Empire, around 1810 in Istanbul It was signed by Le Roy or Leroy, a skilled watchmaker who moved to Germany, and also imported watches made by other Swiss manufacturers, which were sold to the most distinguished dignitaries of the time.

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Istanbul Izmir Antique