Tugra of Suleyman

The tuğra which stood for the sultan’s signature derives from the word tuğrağ, which meant the signature and order of the sultan in the old Turkish spoken by the Oghuz tribes. There are different conjectures as to the origin of its shape including that it represents the tugri, the mythical falcon which the Oghuz venerated as a totem.

The seal was originally used on top of documents such as imperial edicts and franchises to indicate authenticity, a usage that was later expanded to coins, stamps and inscriptions. It has been preserved as an integral part of Turkish ornamental arts together with gilding and calligraphy and is available in paper as well as silk and leather applications. It is well-liked pendant for necklaces today.

Tugra of Selim I

Tugra of Mustafa