Siyer-i Nebi and the Early Modern Ottoman representations of Muslim women
Metin Mustafa
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Abstract: This essay proposes that the religious work of Siyer -i Nebi (Life of Prophet Muhammad) of 1595 illustrates an alternative interpretation where the representation of Muslim women in the miniatures subvert the traditional held view of the seclusion of females in Islamic society. Ottoman Sultan Murad III's (d.1585) patronage of the illustrated manuscript, Siyer -i Nebi is reflective of his interest in religious iconography to create a prophetic genealogy through its symbolism linking it to the Ottoman dynasty. The Ottoman artists cleverly portrayed the 'Mothers of the Believers' and the imperial women of the Ottoman harem without their faces to avoid any criticism and backlash. This way of representing the Prophet and his family, in particular the women of his household became the convention of early modern Ottoman art signalling a paradigm shift in traditionalist interpretation of the image of women in Islam. Through this, they represent the ideal models of chastity, virtue and piety. They became a model for the Ottoman imperial women of the harem in the 16th century to emulate through their patronage and philanthropic works.