Tile Chimney with the Seven Sleepers

Turkish tile chimney with names of the Seven Sleepers in Arabic calligraphy. Museum label: "Tilework Chimneypiece, Turkey, probably Istanbul, dated 1731. The names around the hood are those of the Seven Sleepers. Persecuted under the Roman emperor Decius, these Christian men took refuge in a cave. They fell asleep, waking centuries later under Christian rule. The Seven Sleepers are mentioned in the Qur'an as an example of God's protection of the righteous. Their names were therefore used to invoke that protection. Fritware with under-glaze decoration. Museum no. 703-1891." Victoria & Albert Museum, London.