From ancient civilizations to the Ottoman Empire, the sun has been more than just a source of light for humanity; it has been a symbol of power, abundance, and protection. Represented through radiant motifs, this ancient sun symbol has found a place in various fields from art to architecture for centuries. In this article, we explore the journey of the sun motif and its impressive reflections in different civilizations.

Origins of Reverence for the Sun

Humanity has shown greater reverence for the sun, the source of life-giving light and warmth, than for other celestial forces. The sun was seen as a god, a protector, and the ruler of the universe. Particularly for societies in fertile lands, which enabled the development of great civilizations, the sun symbolized abundance, and people held a deep belief in the sun god or goddess. The sun, following a specific route across the sky, was also regarded as a symbol of truth and justice in Mesopotamia and Anatolia.

Sun Symbolism in Mesopotamia and Anatolia

In the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Anatolia, sun symbolism held great significance. The sun god represented justice and righteousness and was considered a king descended from the line of earthly rulers. Hittite kings were, therefore, referred to as “My Sun,” and the winged sun disc was adopted as a royal symbol. These sacred figures, initially worshiped in primitive cultures, were represented through tangible objects or signs, and over time, visual symbols emerged.

Sun Symbols in Antiquity

Sun symbolism was widely represented in ancient Greek and Roman art, where the sun was depicted as a disc or as a face with rays emanating from it. The portrayal of the sun with a human face symbolized the integration of power and rulership with the figure of the emperor in imperial imagery.

The Relationship Between Planets and the Sun in the Islamic World

Ancient cultures believed in a pantheon in the heavens with a chief god. In the Islamic world, however, astrologers viewed the sun as the sovereign of the sky, with other planets considered its entourage. According to this belief in the planet-sign relationship, the moon was the sun’s vizier, Utarit (Mercury) its scribe, Zuhre (Venus) its musician, Mirrih (Mars) its marshal, Mustari (Jupiter) its judge, and Zuhal (Saturn) its treasurer. The sun rules the sign of Leo in astrology, and the tradition of combining the lion symbol with the sun stems from ancient Mesopotamian and Iranian cultures.

The Lion and Sun Figure in Seljuk Culture

During the Seljuk period, coins and ceramic works featuring the symbols of the seven planets and twelve zodiac signs often included lion and sun figures. In Seljuk artifacts from Iran, the sun rises as a semi-circle over the lion, while in Artuqid architecture, the sun is represented in a full circular form in stone carvings and on Anatolian Seljuk coins. The lion-sun relief on the portal of the Incir Han and the coins of Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Giyaseddin Keyhusrev II symbolized the sultan's power and victory. In the works of Ibn Bibi, the sultan is likened to the sun and lion, a hero who illuminates and gives life to the world.

The Sun Motif in the Ottoman Period

In the Ottoman period, historians, poets, and scholars likened the sultan to the sun, illuminating the earth with his power. This analogy became a visual symbol in the 19th century, with the "Sun of Mahmud," representing the reforms of Sultan Mahmud II, depicted through radiant motifs. These Ottoman sun designs, heavily influenced by Baroque elements, were used not only on the imperial coat of arms but also in bookbindings and architecture.

Traces of the Sun in Turkish Decorative Arts

In Turkish culture, sun symbolism and moon motifs hold significant prominence. In the second half of the 16th century, silk fabrics were adorned with sun-shaped medallions, crescent moons, stars, and Solomon's Seal motifs, creating rich compositions. By the 17th century, multi-ray sun motifs appeared at the center of velvet pillow covers. Stylized floral forms radiating from a single center were commonly used in ceramics and metalwork, reflecting the cultural reverence for the sun in decorative arts.

Modern Reflections of Radiant Motifs

Radiant motifs that have traveled through time still retain their value today, enriched by cross-cultural interactions and the profound meanings they contribute to art. Sun and moon motifs, used in various art forms since the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, are reborn in our modern Iznik tile designs known as Iznik Blue Tile. Inspired by the historical tiles of Turkey’s iconic Kubadabad Palace, we offer our designs of Seljuk Period Sun Motif Tile and Seljuk Period Moon Motif Tile to bring these ancient touches into your home. You can purchase these special tiles to bring the elegance of the past into today’s living spaces.