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A curated collection of 189 rare Ottoman-era artifacts, many once belonging to sultans and high-ranking palace officials, will be auctioned in İstanbul on June 15. Organised by Arthill Muzecilik, the "Museum-Grade Artifacts Auction" will take place both live and online from the Arthill Event Hall located on the S2 floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzer Plaza.
The auction features museum-worthy works with direct ties to the Ottoman dynasty and its elite. Among the standout lots is a diamond-studded brooch bearing the tughra (imperial cipher) of Sultan Abdulhamid II, offering collectors a rare glimpse into royal ornamentation. Another highlight is a royal decree (ferman) issued by Abdulhamid II himself, along with a berat (imperial diploma) from Sultan Mahmud II.
Weapons and regalia are also part of the line-up. One remarkable item is a gold-inlaid ceremonial sword crafted for Sultan Mahmud II, showcasing intricate palace craftsmanship.
Art lovers will also find exceptional works of fine art, including Galata Koprusu ve Sirket-i Hayriye Vapuru by Ottoman statesman and artist Mustafa Nuri Pasha. The collection features Atelier Aivazovsky by celebrated Russian-Armenian painter Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky and Fistik Agaclari Altinda Dervislerin Sohbeti by renowned Turkish painter Hoca Ali Riza.
The full collection will be on public display at Arthill Gallery until auction day, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to examine the pieces in person. The official auction catalogue is available at Arthill's website, where advance bids can also be placed.
Hybrid auction to begin at 15:00 local time
The auction will commence at 3:00 p.m. (GMT+3) on June 15, with both live attendance at the venue and remote participation via Arthill's website and mobile application.
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