The Ekrem Hakki Ayverdi Collection
Leading Turkish art historian Professor Semavi Eyice has described Ekrem Hakki Ayverdi (1899-1984) as ‘the man who rescued Ottoman period Turkish architecture from oblivion’, in reference to the scores of historic buildings which Ayverdi restored in Istanbul, Bursa and Edirne, and above all to his eight volume masterpiece on the history of Turkish architecture. The first four volumes cover early Ottoman architecture from the 12th century up to the end of Mehmed II’s reign (1451-1481), and the next four volumes Ottoman works of architecture in the former European territories of the empire. This great work has been described as the title deeds to Turkey’s architectural legacy.
Ekrem Hakki Ayverdi was a scholar who shaped Turkish art history, a dedicated restorator, and also an impassioned collector of traditional art works.
The collection he built up over many years includes inscriptions by the most celebrated calligraphers, gilded copper metalware, opaque twist glass tulip vases and rosewater sprinklers, side tables with the painted decoration known as Edirnekâri work, and silverware marked with the tugra of the Ottoman sultans.
The collection, which is normally kept at Ayverdi’s house on Fevzipasa Caddesi in the district of Fatih in Istanbul, has recently been exhibited at Sadberk Hanim Museum in Buyukdere on the European side of the Bosphorus. As well as calligraphic inscriptions, there are bows and arrows used by calligraphers to strengthen their hands, and writing sets consisting of pen knives, nib sharpeners, pen boxes and ink wells. Ceramics include magnificent 16th century blue and white Iznik ware and wall tiles, and fine examples of 18th century Kutahya ware. In addition there are examples of 19th century Beykoz glassware, Tophane pipe bowls and cups, beautiful spoons, precious 16th century silk brocades and velvets, and antique embroideries.