ink highlighted with gold on paper, with leather headpiece, backed with silk

In good overall condition, some edges with minor loss to the paper and showing the silk mounting, some minor smudges to the ink; please note that the top 28cm. are backed on red leather to provide a cover to the scrolled when rolled, the lower stamped seal is glued, 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."

This diploma of authority (icazetname) bears the tughra of Haji Bektash Veli at the top and the tughras of the saints Balim Sultan and Seyyid 'Ali Sultan beneath. The content of the document states that Mehmed 'Ali Hilmi Dede, the head (postnişin) of the Haji Bektash Veli shrine, appoints Hafiz Mehmed Nureddin Baba as the administrator of a Sufi lodge of the Bektashi Sufi order on 25 Safar 1316 AH/15 July 1898 AD. Although the name of the lodge is not mentioned in the document, Hafiz Mehmed Nureddin was appointed head of the Erikli Baba Tekke in that very same year (Yilmaz 2015, p.114) and this document probably refers to this appointment. A seal impression of Mehmed 'Ali Hilmi Dede dated 1297 AH/1879-80 AD appears at the bottom of the document beneath the title in large letters, Khadim al-fuqara', 'Servant of the Poor'.