Târîh-i 'İzzî

[Kostantiniye, i.e., Istanbul: Dar ül-Tibâ'at ül-Ma'mûre, 1785. Text printed within red rule borders. [18], 288 ff. 1 vols. Folio. Modern quarter black leather and black cloth, spine with raised bands. Last 4 leaves stained (final two heavily so). Text printed within red rule borders. [18], 288 ff. 1 vols. Folio. İzzî Süleyman Efendi (d. 1755) was an important figure in 18th-century Ottoman bureaucracy, recognized as both a calligrapher and historian. Born into a family with connections to the court, Süleyman received his early education from his father, learning Arabic and Persian, and later studied calligraphy under the renowned Eğrikapılı Hoca Mehmed Râsim Efendi. In 1733, he served in Abdullah Pasha's eastern campaign, and in 1737, clerk (kethüdâ kâtibi) during the Belgrade Campaign. In 1745, he was appointed as the official Ottoman court historian (vak'anüvis), held various administrative positions, and undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Tarih-i İzzî, his most significant work, is a two-part history covering the years A.H. 1157-1165 (1744-1752 C.E.). The book documents major political, military, and administrative developments within the Ottoman Empire during this period, including wars, court politics, and significant regional events. İzzî's narrative goes beyond Istanbul, encompassing the broader Ottoman territories. The author's objective was not only to record events but also to provide future generations and statesmen with lessons derived from these occurrences. His preface highlights this approach, emphasizing that history should serve as guidance and inspiration.

One of the last works issued from İbrahim Müteferrika's press and a landmark in Ottoman printing history. The Tarih-i Izzi soon gained a readership among European scholars, and portions were translated into German by von Hammer-Purgstall and published in the Archiv für Geographie, Historie, Staats- und Kriegskunst (XIII/1822).

Uncommon.