The Chatr as a Political Symbol in Islamic Miniature Painting

Abstract

In the past, individuals with wealth, power, and status have used various symbols to display their authority. One of the symbols used by rulers for a period was the umbrella-shaped canopy called chatr. The origins of the chatr can be traced back to Mesopotamia. Later, during the Islamic civilisation, it continued to be used as a symbol of power. While details about using the chatr as a symbol of power can be found in various historical sources, its reflection in visual culture, particularly in Islamic miniature painting, is also evident. The fact that the chatr is carried by angels in some illustrations suggests that it was attributed a sense of holiness. In this context, the study examines depictions of the chatr and chatrdar as symbols representing the sovereignty of rulers. Illustrations reflecting the chatr culture are predominantly found in manuscripts produced in the Iranian cultural sphere, particularly in works such as the Shahnameh and Khamsa of Nizami. The chatr, which also holds an important place in Indian culture, appears in many illustrated albums featuring various governors and rulers. As indicated in historical sources, the form and function of the chatr, a significant symbol of sovereignty in the Iranian, Seljuk, and Abbasid civilisations, are beautifully represented in Islamic miniature painting. Every detail, from the shape of the chatr to its use and bearer, is meticulously depicted in these artworks.