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A 600-year-old Ottoman vakfiye (foundation inscription) in Amasya, long defaced and referred to by locals as a “scribble board,” has been meticulously restored, revealing its historical and artistic significance as the only known foundation text in the world carved directly into bedrock.
The 1418 inscription, commissioned by Grand Vizier Bayezid Pasha during the reign of Sultan Celebi Mehmed, had suffered decades of vandalism and environmental wear. Spray paint marks and general neglect had obscured its eight-line Arabic script, which spans 125 words and measures three meters wide by 110 centimeters high.
Led by the General Directorate of Foundations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the restoration employed advanced techniques to preserve the original integrity of the inscription.
Experts removed surface contaminants using micro-precision sandblasting with travertine powder. Chemically stabilized weakened rock was subtly shaded with earth-toned paints to enhance legibility without altering the original carving.
Protective measures included a steel support frame, an expanded platform, and a transparent safeguarding system over the inscription. A lighting system was also installed to ensure the text’s visibility at night and to highlight its architectural prominence.
Tokat Regional Director of Foundations Sebahattin Erdogan emphasized the restoration’s significance: “This rock inscription is unparalleled in the world. Its preservation ensures that the legacy of Grand Vizier Bayezid Pasha is safeguarded for future generations.”
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