NAVINA HAIDAR: Believe it or not, the large painted design in blue and gold is a signature. It was the official signature – or the ‘tughra’ – of a mighty ruler: Sultan Sulaiman. So where’s Sulaiman’s name, exactly? Look at the part at the bottom, in the center. Those gracefully woven lines form Arabic letters, spelling out “Sulaiman, son of Salim Khan, ever victorious.” You’ll see more writing to the side, in gold. This gives more of the Sultan’s official titles, and commands that his orders be obeyed. Sulaiman was such an important ruler, and ruled over such a huge empire for such a long time… that today he’s known as “Sultan Sulaiman the Magnificent”. But imagine Sulaiman having to paint this design, every time he signed his name! Where’d he find the time to decorate the open spaces with all those swirling leaves and flowers? Actually, he didn’t. The sultan paid an artist to write his official decrees on paper in beautiful calligraphy, and to paint his tughra at the top.