Relics of Islam 1966 Arabic Book Topkapı Palace Museum Sacred Relics Muslim Holy Mantle

Kemal Çığ – Relics of Islam (Al-Amānāt al-Muqaddasah) – Ministry of Culture and Tourism Istanbul Arabic Edition (1966)

Description:

This Arabic edition of Relics of Islam, published under the title Al-Amānāt al-Muqaddasah, was written by Kemal Çığ, former Director of the Topkapı Palace Museum, and published in Istanbul by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1966. Prepared specifically for Arabic-speaking readers and visitors, the booklet serves as an illustrated introduction to the Sacred Relics preserved within Topkapı Palace, one of the most significant collections of Islamic religious artifacts in the world.

The cover features an iconic interior view of the Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi (Chamber of the Holy Mantle), also known as the Has Oda, where many of the sacred relics have been preserved for centuries. This chamber remains one of the most revered sections of Topkapı Palace and symbolizes the Ottoman Empire's role as custodian of many of Islam's most treasured relics.

The publication explains the historical background of the Sacred Relics collection, much of which was brought to Istanbul following the Egyptian campaign of Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim) in 1517. Over subsequent centuries, the collection expanded through additional acquisitions from various regions of the Islamic world, eventually forming one of the most important repositories of Islamic relics.

Illustrated with photographs and historical descriptions, the booklet presents relics traditionally associated with the Prophet Muhammad, including the Holy Mantle (Hırka-i Saadet), swords, the Blessed Beard (Sakal-ı Şerif), and the Footprint of the Prophet, together with objects attributed to earlier prophets and prominent companions of the Prophet. Rather than serving as a theological work, the publication functions as a historical and museum guide, introducing readers to the cultural, artistic, and religious significance of these treasured artifacts.

Produced as an official museum publication, this booklet was intended to guide both domestic and international visitors to Topkapı Palace while presenting the history of the Sacred Relics in an accessible format. Today, it remains a desirable collectible for those interested in Ottoman heritage, Islamic history, museum publications, and official cultural editions from the mid-20th century.

Key Features:

• Title: Relics of Islam (Al-Amānāt al-Muqaddasah)

• Author: Kemal Çığ (Former Director of Topkapı Palace Museum)

• Publisher: Ministry of Culture and Tourism

• Publication Year: 1966

• Publication Location: Istanbul

• Language: Arabic

• Format: Illustrated museum guide

• Subject: The Sacred Relics of Topkapı Palace

• Cover Illustration: Interior view of the Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi (Has Oda)

• Contents: Photographs and historical information on relics associated with the Prophet Muhammad, earlier prophets, and the Companions

• Historical Context: Relics brought to Istanbul following Sultan Selim I's Egyptian campaign in 1517 and expanded through later acquisitions

• Purpose: Official guide for Arabic-speaking visitors to Topkapı Palace

• Collector Appeal: Official Ministry publication documenting one of the world's most important collections of Islamic sacred relics