Tasvir-i Hümayun Nişanı /Order of the Imperial Portrait/ was established by Sultan Mahmud II in 1832 to reward individuals for personal service to the Sultan. The order had one class. The order was a jeweled medallion bearing the portrait of the Ottoman ruler. This award clearly contravened Islamic religious law, which frowned on such portraits. The sultan's tughra was a more important and widespread symbol of his reign than a portrait. Despite this, many portraits of Ottoman rulers, created under European influence, are known. Sultans were not hesitant to use their portraits and images as gifts or rewards. However, the Order of the Imperial Portrait, as an official order, went beyond the snuffboxes adorned with portraits of the sultan, which the Ottomans presented to foreign ambassadors in early periods as a reward. The presence of the sultan's portrait signified that the recipient had received the sultan's personal attention, making the Order of the Imperial Portrait the most prestigious award of the period. The first documented award was made in 1832. One of the first known recipients was the Armenian businessman and philanthropist Harutyun Bezzian (1771-1834). The award was also bestowed upon vassals of the Ottoman Empire, including Prince Miloš Obrenović of Serbia , and the Wali of Egypt, Muhammad Ali, and Abbas I. Order was abolished in 1900.
Order of the Imperial Portrait of Sultan Mahmud II.
Gold, diamonds, enamel.
