This mirror, believed to have come from the Iranian palace, offers advice

A remarkable 19th-century mirror, believed to have come from the Qajar Dynasty palace in Iran, draws attention for its thought-provoking inscriptions. This unique piece, known as the “Advisory Mirror,” is currently on display at the Diyarbakır Museum.

The mirror features several profound sayings, including: “Ettukâ reîsü’l-ahlâkı (Takvâ is the essence of morality),” “Ezellü’n-nâsi men ehâne’n-nâse (The most despicable person is the one who betrays others),” “Elmu’minu kalîlu’l-kelâmi ve kesîru’l-ameli (A believer speaks little and works much),” “Eşca’u’n-nâsi men ğalebe hevâhu (The bravest person is the one who conquers their desires),” “Men sâvâ yevmâhu fehuve mağbûnun (He who has the same day twice is deceived),” and “Nushuke beynennâsi takrî’un (Advising someone in front of others is scolding and blaming).” These inscriptions, attributed to Hz. Ali, guide and discipline the human soul.

Müjdat Gizligöl, the Acting Director of the Diyarbakır Museum, believes the mirror arrived at the museum via Iran. He explains, “The inscriptions and figures on the mirror suggest it has Iranian origins. It likely comes from a palace of the Qajar Dynasty. Families often included similar mirrors in women’s dowries. They would engrave motivational sayings on them for brides. Women needed words of encouragement as they transitioned to their husband’s family or home. During that period, mirrors were common in dowries across Anatolia, Iran, and Mesopotamia.”