Table Throw with Ottoman Miniature Design, Red

Ottoman Turkish miniature paintings and figures started with the 1453 conquest of Istanbul (then Constantinople) by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Cultural and economic development flourished as Turkish and European painters visited one another and exchanged ideas and techniques. In spite of this, Turkish painting maintained its old traditions and resumed to produce works of beauty and artistic value.

Ottoman miniatures and Islamic art usually depict stories of religious figures, heroes, or important events. Among the figures on this throw are the "cirit" players. Cirit was particularly widespread in the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century onwards, becoming the foremost martial sport. In peace time it was played to improve the cavalry's attack and defense skills, and during campaigns to whip up their enthusiasm for battle. Cirit is the last traditional Turkish war game on horseback, that has survived nearly unchanged until today from the times when the Turkish tribes lived in Central Asia. In this game, the two teams line up facing one another on the field, each player at a distance of about 100 metres from the next. Before the game, each of the player is introduced to the spectators with words of praise. Meanwhile drums and reed pipes play military marches and Koroglu folk airs. At the beginning of the game it is traditional for the youngest rider to trot towards the opposing team, and at a distance of 10-15 metres toss his cirit stick at one of the players. Simultaneously he turns his horse back and tries to reach the safety of his own side, pursued by the other player with a stick in his hand. This process of chasing and fleeing, while trying to hit an opponent with a stick, is the essence of the game, which requires skill and sportsmanship.

Below is an example of a classic miniature figure design on a burgundy throw.