Imperial Caiques (The Swans of İstanbul)
There are fourteen Sultan Boats in Naval Museum in Beşiktaş, İstanbul/Turkey. The six of them were issued as a stamp by Turkish Post Office (PTT) until now. Two of them in 2009, two of them in 2010 and two of them in 2011.
The Otoman Sultans use these boats for their short distance trips and for leisure. All the Sultan’s Boats are belongs to 19th century.
The Imperial Caique Used by The Harem of Sultan Abdulmecit With 7 Pairs of Oars
Length: 24.5 m.
Width: 1.7 m.
Height: 2.8 m.
These vessels with 7 pairs of oars were built in the İstanbul Shipyard during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecit. It is stated on the plate that they were built in 1850.
The caique built with carvel planking is encircled with gilding and embroidery. The bottom of the vessel is cream-colored and its fore has a clipper bow form. The stem, sharply extending forward, is decorated with gilded carvings of bunch of grapes, vine leaf and naturalist flower motifs in between the acanthus leaves.
There is a silver bird figure (not visible on the stamp) and gold leaf sign consisting of crescent and star on the forecastle. Two carved and golf-leaf transforms are right behind the bird figure.
The caique is equipped with 14 oars and 3 hooks. It also has an iron rudder tilter.
The partition that seperates the seatings of the oarsmen and the passenger is decorated with carvings. Engravings of bunch of grapes, flowers and acanthus leaves are also on the partition. The Otoman coat of of arms is crafted in the middle.
Turkey 2011 Sultan’s Boats 90 krş.
Source: http://www.denizmuzeleri.tsk.tr
Source: http://www.ptt.gov.tr