Name of Object:Qibla directional plate Location:Damascus, Syria Holding Museum:National Museum of Damascus About National Museum of Damascus, Damascus Date of Object:Hegira 918–26 / AD 1512–20 Artist(s) / Craftsperson(s):Sayyid Thabit. Museum Inventory Number:ع ر 1727 Material(s) / Technique(s):Earthenware with black and blue paint on a white base, and a transparent glaze. Dimensions:Width 3.5 cm, diameter 18.5 cm Period / Dynasty:Ottoman Provenance:Damascus, Syria. Description:Muslims must face the qibla, the direction of the Ka'ba in the city of Mecca, while praying. They therefore often need instruments to help pinpoint the direction of the Ka'ba. This plate is one such instrument. Its base is a round and flat area that has a circle of semi-vertical columns on it. Recorded around the centre of the circle is the name of the craftsperson and the place in which it was made (“made by Sayyid Thabit in Damascus”). Emanating from the centre towards the rim are tables in the form of a sequence of rings. These rings contain the names of a number of cities in three bands (Damascus, Baghdad, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Tehran, Kabul …), in addition to alphabets corresponding to numbers that indicate degrees of angles. The inner circumference of the plate's rim is marked by units, each of which is equivalent to five degrees and also the four cardinal directions (east, west, north, south), which are set in half circles. View Short DescriptionThe scientific diagram inscribed on this ceramic dish served an important function. A schematic arrangement of city names and trigonometric data help the user to establish the orientation of the Ka'ba in Mecca and thus the direction of prayer. It was especially useful when travelling. Original Owner:Sultan Salim I (also Selim, r. AH 918–26 / AD 1512–20) How date and origin were established:The inscription on the plate indicates that it was made by order of Sultan Salim I, (r. 918–26 / 1512–20). How Object was obtained:Purchased in 1935. How provenance was established:The inscription on the plate indicates that it was made in Damascus. Selected bibliography:Cluzan, S. et al (eds), Syrie: Mémoire et Civilisation, Paris, 1994. Citation of this web page:Mona al-Moadin "Qibla directional plate" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;sy;Mus01;38;en Prepared by: Mona Al-Moadin
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