Tughra
From Freepedia
A tughra (طغراء; Tuğra) is a Turkish paisley-like calligraphic seal or signature used at the beginning of sultans' decrees. It is most often associated with the sultans of the Ottoman Empire.
These colorful emblems incorporated the ruler's name and title in intricate inscriptions designed by neshanis, or court calligraphers. Parallel to the European signet, tughras often appeared on coins and stamps of the Ottoman Empire.
Tughras served a similar purpose to the cartouche in ancient Egypt. Every Ottoman sultan had his own individual tughra. Tughras have also been used in other Turkic states, such as the Khanate of Kazan. Later, tughras were used among the Tatars of Imperial Russia.
The tughra artform continues today. Examples are the tughras of Russian president Vladimir Putin and the Emperor of Japan Akihito.
See also: Arabic calligraphy
