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This Mirror, Believed to Be from an Iranian Palace, Provides Insightful Advice
A remarkable mirror from the 19th century, believed to have come from the Qajar Dynasty palace in Iran, captures attention with its thought-provoking inscriptions. This unique piece, known as the “Advisory Mirror,” is currently on display at the Diyarbakır Museum.
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The mirror showcases several profound sayings, such as: “Ettukâ reîsü’l-ahlâkı (Takvâ is the essence of morality),” “Ezellü’n-nâsi men ehâne’n-nâse (The most despicable person is the one who betrays others),” “Elmu’minu kalîlu’l-kelâmi ve kesîru’l-ameli (A believer speaks little and works much),” “Eşca’u’n-nâsi men ğalebe hevâhu (The bravest person is the one who conquers their desires),” “Men sâvâ yevmâhu fehuve mağbûnun (He who has the same day twice is deceived),” and “Nushuke beynennâsi takrî’un (Advising someone in front of others is scolding and blaming).” These inscriptions, attributed to Hz. Ali, guide and discipline the human soul.
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Müjdat Gizligöl, the Acting Director of the Diyarbakır Museum, believes that the museum acquired the mirror from Iran. He explains, “The inscriptions and figures on the mirror suggest it has Iranian origins. It likely comes from a palace of the Qajar Dynasty. Families often included similar mirrors in women’s dowries, engraving motivational sayings on them for brides. Women needed words of encouragement as they transitioned to their husband’s family or home. During that period, mirrors commonly appeared in dowries across Anatolia, Iran, and Mesopotamia.”
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