Portal:History/Featured picture/December, 2005

Tughra'(طغراء) of Mahmud II. A tughra (tuğra in Turkish) is a Turkish y|calligraphic seal or signature used at the beginning of sultans' decrees. These colorful emblems incorporated the ruler's name and title in intricate vegetal inscriptions designed by neshanis, or court calligraphers. Parallel to the European signet, tughras often appeared on coins and stamps of the Ottoman Empire.