Documents in the prime ministerial Ottoman archives: Concerning the Seal Boxes (Kozaklar) and cases sent to the king of Poland in international diplomacy

Abstract

Round seal boxes called "kozak" were attached in the name of the Sultan (name-i-hümayun) to the letters of the Ottoman Empire were sent to foreign states or treaties made with foreign countries. Apart from their historical value, these are important in the history of Ottoman art from the point of view of material and craftsmanship. Inside the "kozak" which was attached to the document case by a ribbon was red sealing wax melted and stamped with the seal of the appropriate authority to whom it was to be sent. The Ottoman Court jeweller would be commissioned to make such "kozak" using gold, silver and precious stones. "Kozak" on the treaties between the Ottoman State and other countries are on exhibition at the Prime Ministerial Ottoman Archives. At the same time, documents concerning commissions for such "kozaklar" for letters written to the King of Poland and which are of importance in the history of Ottoman art are to be found there. © Archaeopress and the individual authors 2018. All rights reserved.