Malumat 1897 Ottoman Mag Dome of the Rock Jerusalem Abdülhamid II Jordan Manastır Macedonia Crete Al-Karak

Malumat – “The Cave Beneath the Sacred Rock at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem” – Issue No. 66 – January 21, 1897 (9 Kânunusani 1312) – Ottoman Turkish Edition

Description:

Ma'lûmât was an important Ottoman weekly scholarly, scientific, and literary periodical published in Istanbul during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, from May 23, 1895, to August 20, 1903. One of the longest-running cultural publications of the period, the magazine aimed to inform its readers about a wide range of subjects, including literature, science, industry, commerce, and social life. Its contents covered current developments across the Ottoman Empire and the wider world, scientific and technological advances, history, geography, philosophy, and medicine, alongside poetry, short stories, and literary criticism. The magazine also reflected the growing interest in a more accessible and modern style of Turkish writing.

The cover of this sixty-sixth issue features an interior photograph of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, showing the stepped entrance descending beneath the sacred Foundation Stone into the underground chamber known as the Cave of the Souls (Bir al-Arwah). This striking architectural and religious subject offers a visual record of one of the most important sacred sites in Jerusalem.

Inside, the magazine includes an article concerning the celebrations of Sultan Abdülhamid II's birthday and the anniversary of his accession to the Ottoman throne. Its geographical coverage features a photograph of the government building in Karak, the administrative centre of the Ma'an Sanjak in Ottoman Syria, now located in Jordan. Another photograph shows part of the city of Manastır (modern-day Bitola, North Macedonia), while a further image depicts the Government House in Chania, Crete (present-day Greece).

The issue also includes a photograph of Salacak Pier in Istanbul and an article devoted to French literature, bringing together architectural, geographical, political, and literary subjects in the magazine's characteristic illustrated format.

Key Features:

• Publication: Ma'lûmât, Ottoman weekly scholarly, scientific, and literary periodical

• Issue: No. 66, January 21, 1897 (9 Kânunusani 1312)

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Publication Period: May 1895 – August 1903

• Cover Photograph: Interior of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, showing the stepped entrance to the Cave of the Souls (Bir al-Arwah) beneath the sacred Foundation Stone

• Sultan Abdülhamid II: Article covering celebrations of his birthday and the anniversary of his accession to the throne

• Karak, Jordan: Photograph of the government building in Karak, administrative centre of the Ma'an Sanjak in Ottoman Syria

• Manastır (Bitola): Photograph showing part of the historic city

• Crete: Photograph of the Government House in Chania

• French Literature: Article concerning French literary works and culture

• Istanbul: Photograph of Salacak Pier