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Glite Dictionary
tughra

tughra

1 9.9
A fancy handwritten signature of an Ottoman sultan used on documents and coins
  • noun
  • /ˈtuːɡrə/
  • Specialized
: tugra
  • Each Ottoman coin was stamped with the reigning sultan's tughra as a mark of authenticity.

Examples

  • The museum displayed a royal decree bearing the sultan's tughra.

  • The artist studied the intricate curves of the tughra to better understand Ottoman calligraphy.

  • The tughra of Sultan Suleiman is beautifully crafted.

  • Many historical buildings feature a tughra on their facades.

  • The sultan's tughra was beautifully inscribed on the royal decree, symbolizing his authority and legitimacy.

  • Every coin from the period featured the distinctive tughra of the sultan, showcasing the artistry of the Ottoman empire.

  • The grand mosque was adorned with intricate patterns and a striking tughra that represented the sultan's reign.

Surface Forms

tughra singular
tughras plural

Etymology

Tughra comes from Ottoman Turkish tuğra and Persian tughrā, words for a royal mark or 'seal'. It was the sultan's flowing, decorative 'signature' on coins and papers, so a tughra today is that special sign of royal power.