Information Package / Course Catalogue
Ottoman Palaeography
Course Code: İL370
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to equip students with the ability to read, interpret, and analyze Ottoman Turkish documents within their historical context. It focuses on training students to decipher and evaluate archival materials such as firmans, waqf documents, and official manuscripts through palaeographical methods.

Course Content

This course introduces the script characteristics, alphabet system, calligraphy practices, and document layout rules of Ottoman Turkish manuscripts. It includes the fundamental concepts of palaeography, classification of archival documents, types of scripts, and practical reading exercises of various Ottoman documents.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.The concept of paleography is learned.
2.The development process of Arabic writing is learned.
3.Understands the application of Arabic script to Ottoman Turkish.
4.Gain information about the types of writing used in Ottoman state correspondence.
5.Evaluates the writings used in works of art of the Ottoman civilization.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Mübahat S. Kütükoğlu, Osmanlı Belgelerinin Dili (Diplomatik), İstanbul 1994. Various articles and encyclopedia entries related to the subjects covered in the course.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
The Concept of Paleography, Paleography Studies in the World and in Turkey
Week 1 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 2 - Theoretical
The Birth and Development of Arabic Writing
Week 2 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 3 - Theoretical
Types of Writing Used in Ottoman Civilization and Bureaucracy
Week 3 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 4 - Theoretical
Thuluth Readings
Week 4 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 5 - Theoretical
Naskh Readings
Week 5 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 6 - Theoretical
Tevkii - Rika Readings
Week 6 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 7 - Theoretical
Muhakkak - Reyhani Readings
Week 7 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 8 - Theoretical
Divani and Talik Readings
Week 8 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 9 - Theoretical
Readings of Siyakat and Divan Numbers
Week 9 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 10 - Theoretical
Use of Seals in Ottoman Documents
Week 10 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 11 - Theoretical
Ottoman Tughras
Week 11 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 12 - Theoretical
Sign Rings, Tailed Signatures and Document Evaluation
Week 12 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 13 - Theoretical
Sample Text Reading
Week 13 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Week 14 - Theoretical
Evaluation and discussion
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Book, Library and Internet Search
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142256
Assignment1808
Reading16612
Individual Work16612
Midterm Examination1516
Final Examination1516
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
PÇ-19
PÇ-20
OÇ-1
4
4
OÇ-2
4
4
OÇ-3
4
4
OÇ-4
4
OÇ-5
5
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026