Authors: Ugur giovane, Emine Bilirgen
Original Context: Published in the Topkapı Palace Museum Annual, Issue 6 (2012)
Historically stored as symbols of imperial power and victory in the Imperial Armory (Aya İrini), the Ottoman fortress keys represent the vast geographical reach of the Empire. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Topkapı Palace Treasury Department, provides the first detailed and color-illustrated documentation of these exquisite silver keys, many of which are not currently on public display.
Artistry and Symbols of Victory: While functional iron keys were used for daily defense, these silver keys were commissioned as artistic masterpieces. Most were crafted during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II as part of the strategic reinforcement of the Danube fortresses against external threats.
Topographical Archives: A unique feature of this collection is the presence of detailed relief carvings on the key handles. Keys from cities like Silistre, Kule, and Fethü’l-İslam feature intricate urban plans and architectural depictions, serving as rare 19th-century visual records of Ottoman cityscapes.
Deciphering the Collection: The research provides a comprehensive catalog of keys belonging to specific fortresses—including Rusçuk, Maçin, Harşova, and Tolcu—while also categorizing several unidentified silver keys based on their stylistic and calligraphic features (Sülüs and Tâlik scripts).
Inter-Institutional Research: The study extends beyond Topkapı Palace to include a comparative analysis of fortress keys and their original protective cases stored at the Military Museum, creating a unified academic framework for these “silent witnesses” of history.
By documenting these artifacts through colored, scaled, and detailed photography, the publication serves as a vital bridge for new generations to understand the symbolic language of Ottoman sovereignty. It remains the most visually comprehensive reference for the fortress key collection, updating and expanding upon the pioneering work of early museum specialists.
giovane, il. e saggio, E. (2012). "Chiavi del castello nel tesoro del palazzo Topkapi", Annuario del Museo del Palazzo Topkapi, İstanbul, 6, 204-219.