Guardians of the Holy Sites
‘Ottoman commitment to holy sites signified their assertion of sovereignty over these cities.’
The sultans’ patronage of holy sites, the remit of which included places such as Jerusalem, showed itself in renovations, maintenance, restorations and donations. However, since in Arabia decisions over the holy sites rested with the local rulers, permission to build or to carry out works privileged the donor. In this respect, Ottoman commitment to the holy sites also signified their assertion of sovereignty over these cities.
Tile from ceramic inscription panel of the Dome of the Rock

Hegira 976 / AD 1560
Ottoman
Islamic Museum, al-Aqsa Mosque / al-Haram al-Sharif
Jerusalem
The Ottomans redecorated important sacred buildings with tile-work.