AN OTTOMAN PRAYER BOOK BY MEHMED ARIF EFENDI, 1266 AH/1849 AD

Arabic and Turkish manuscript on paper, 9 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, text separation represented by gold roundels pointed by polychrome dots, illuminated frontispiece with rococo-style decoration, surah headings in red ink on gold ground, ruled in gold and red.
This finely-illuminated manuscript is a collection of Arabic and Turkish prayers. It opens with surah Yasin and different verses such as Al-Dhuha, Ikhlas and Al-Asr, Al-Inshirah, Al-Zalzalah, Al-Takathur and many different small verses followed by different prayers with commentaries and the Beautiful Names (Asma' al-husna). The last folio signed by al-fakir Mehmed Arif on 29 Jumada al-akher in 1266 AH/1849 AD, with ownership statement.
In brown gilt morocco binding with flap.
10 by 12.5 cm.

THE CALLIGRAPHER
Student of Hafiz Osman's School in the six scripts, born in Istanbul-Eyüp, died 1270-1280 AH/1853-1864 AD and buried in Istanbul-Eyüp
He is one of the Anatolian pedestals. The grandson of Firar Mustafa Pashazade İbrahim Bey, who died in 1803. He was born in Eyüp and completed his education there. In the meantime, he received ijazet from Kebecizâde Mehmed Vasfî Efendi for practicing thuluth and naskh, and later gained skill in calligraphy with the help of other calligraphers. After completing his education, he became one of the lithographic calligraphers of Mühendishane-i Berrî-i Hümâyûn. He wrote the texts of the maps printed in the printing house of the school. He retired after serving for a long time, performed Hajj, and died a short time after he returned. Although it is known that he was buried in Eyüp, where he resided throughout his life, his history is not known.