Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, 364 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, 37 lines to the page, written in black naskh script, titles in red, headings in white in gold panels, catchwords, numerous small tables and diagrams in gouache heightened with gold including 13 full-page illustrations, including those of Mecca and Medina, double page illuminated frontispiece in gold, 4 further illuminated headpieces, original leather binding with tooled central medallion, with flap

In good overall condition, pages generally clean, slightly thumbed, spine repaired, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Ma'rifetnameh is an encyclopaedia of cosmological topics put together by Erzurumlu Ibrahim Hakki in 1756-57. The planispheric maps were drawn by a surveyer named only as Mustafa, and were based on the Dutch cartographer Joan Blae's (d.1673) Atlas Major. Two further copies of Hakki's Ma'rifetnameh, both dating from the first quarter of the nineteenth century, can be found in the British Library (MS.Or.12964) and Nasser D. Khalili Collection, London (see Rogers 1995, pp.121 & 123, no.74). Three very similar manuscripts to the present lot were sold in these rooms, 22 April 2015, lot 109; 24 April 2013, lot 49 and 6 April 2011, lot 216.