SULTAN'S TREASURES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19608, 9 April 1927, Page 16 (Supplement)

SULTAN'S TREASURES.

PEARL-COVERED THRONE. EMERALDS AND DIAMONDS. What must be on© of the most valuable collections of treasures in the world was exposed to public view when the "Tresor"' or Museum of Top Kapou Palace was opened at Constantinople: Not only are its treasures unique, but their intrinsic value runs into millions of pounds. The museum itself was osaginally built in 1453 by Mohammed 11. (the Conqueror) as a kiosk, but was transformed by Sultan Selim I. into the treasury of the Serail. Selim 1. sealed the doors at the timo of his entailing the "Tresor," which he had filled with booty. "I have filled these seven rooms with gold," he declared. "If my successors accomplish enough to iiil them with copper, then—and then only—may my seals be broken." And until the time when the whole palace was abandoned as a residence and turned into a museum this royal command was respected. The collection now includes the treasures of Sultans Mohammed 11., Bayezid 11., and Selim 1., and all of their successors up to Mahmoud 11., who died in 1839. In 1918, when the Allied armies occupied all these treasures were removed to Angora, and were only brought back after the signature ol peace. The most striking exhibit is the throne of Shah Ismail of Persia, which forms part of the booty captured by Selim I. during the battle of Tchaldiran. Thousands' of big pearls are set in its gold and inlaid enamel. Around the throue runs a wide border of jade, ornamented with giant rubies and emeralds. The cushion is embroidered with pearls whose lustre, even in this dimly-lit chamber, throws the wonderful pattern into relief. Sealed glass cases contain the ceremonial costumes of every Sultan from the time of Mohammed «he Cononeror to the time of Mahmoud 11., each robe reflecting the personality of its former wearer. The magnificent plumes of Suleiman 11. stand out above the rest because of their priceless emeralds. In one plume alone are three uncut emeralds the size of eggs. In another is one (cut) measuring liin. and ljin. Egrets, trimmed with innumerable diamonds of enormous size, jewelled mirrors, cigarette boxes, trays and jewelcases scintillate in ancient settings. Curios- which would gladden a Western collector's heart are the image of a sultan fashioned half in one-piece pearl and half in enamel set with rubies, and the diamond toilet table of Catherine of Russia, given, it is said, as a token of love to Baltadji Mehmed Pasha. The blazing gold "Bairam Throne," studded with hundreds of big emeralds, is in mighty contrast with inimitable articles of Persian filigree and jewelled fans of peacock tails, oners the toys of past favourites of the harem.