Auction of unique pocket watch, personally ordered by Sultan Abdulhamid II for prayer times, happening in Turkey
In the heart of Ankara, Turkey, the Tesbih, Art, Antiques and Natural Stones Summit is hosting two extraordinary pieces of Ottoman craftsmanship. Among the art and antiques on display, the Hamidiye pocket watch and a custom-designed prayer bead set are stealing the show.
The Hamidiye pocket watch, a rare timepiece commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II, is a testament to the Sultan's personal interest in precision timekeeping aligned with Islamic practices. This unique pocket watch is distinguished by its ability to display all five daily Islamic prayer times, achieved through a complex mechanism involving a dial divided into three internal sections.
Originally, around 100 units of the Hamidiye pocket watch were produced, but today only 20 to 25 remain in Turkey, with most of the original pieces believed to have been sold abroad. Its rarity and connection to Sultan Abdulhamid II enhance its cultural and historical value, making it a notable collector's item. The pocket watch is currently on display at the summit and is available for sale at approximately $4,000.
The prayer bead set, crafted by third-generation master artisan Hamit Guldur, is another highlight of the event. Each bead in the set is engraved with three of the 99 names of God in Islamic tradition, covering all names across the 33 beads. The set is made from Oltu stone and features intricate detailing in gold, including golden minarets and inscriptions. Hamit Guldur considers the spiritual and artistic worth of the set to be far greater, stating it's worth a million dollars. He would only consider selling the set to someone who truly appreciates and will preserve the value of the piece.
Kahraman Apaydin, a veteran watch dealer, described the Hamidiye pocket watch as "very special" and expressed pride in exhibiting it at the summit. Apaydin stated that they will sell the pocket watch if they find the right buyer. As for the prayer bead set, Apaydin did not reveal any plans to sell, but visitors to the summit can admire its beauty and craftsmanship until Aug. 3, when the Tesbih, Art, Antiques and Natural Stones Summit concludes at Ankara's ATO Congressium.
[1] Turkish Cultural Foundation [2] Anadolu Agency [3] Daily Sabah
- Despite its estimated value of a million dollars, the prayer bead set, crafted by Hamit Guldur, will only be sold to someone who fully appreciates and intends to preserve its value, as stated by its creator in Ankara, Turkey.
- The Lira exchange rate may influence the purchasing power of individuals in Turkey, potentially affecting their lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden expenses.
- The Tesbih, Art, Antiques, and Natural Stones Summit, hosted in the heart of Ankara, is featuring the Hamidiye pocket watch, a rare Ottoman timepiece with historical and cultural significance, priced at approximately $4,000.
