2010 Year of the Tiger
Pre-Islamic traditions of the nomadic Turks included nature worship and shamanism long before their migration to the Middle East and their adoption of Islam.
Tiger, 15th century ink on paper
Topkapi Palace Museum
Beginning in the earliest days of the Silk Road trade, Turkic artistic expression was heavily influenced by Chinese culture. Techniques and styles of Chinese brush masters were adopted by the Turkish court artists whose served the rulers of Iran and Turkey.
The majesty and mystery of noble animals like the Siberian tiger were legendary, and the tiger’s reputation was further enhanced by its position as a creature of the Chinese zodiac. Throughout Turkish history, the motif known as çintamani, a powerful symbol incorporating the graphic qualities of animal pelts has been a popular motif on clothing, carpets, and ceramics.
Çintamani motif on Iznik tile
