The mirror has existed as one of the most important objects throughout human history. The mirror, which is much more than an ordinary object, has a deep history. Ancient ruins found in archaeological excavations indicate that in some civilizations the mirror was used as an ornament, while in others it was left next to the dead and considered a tool for rebirth.
The mirror has become a rich source for history, culture, myths and literature due to these symbolic meanings placed on it. As a result of the interaction and cultural exchanges between civilizations, the symbolic values of the mirror have emerged in different societies. This has allowed the mirror to gain a unique place in myths, history, culture and literature, bearing similar characteristics.
An Indicator of Prestige and Wealth
Before humanity used the mirror in its present form, it was used on water surfaces, shiny stones and tree trunks. with reflective feature Obtained mirror-like images. The history of the first man-made mirrors dates back to 7 thousand BC. ÇatalhöyükThe first mirror made using obsidian was found in archaeological excavations. Similar ruins have emerged in Egypt; Mirror frames made of gypsum and slate found in ElBadari can be given as examples.
Mirrors found in Egyptshows that people framed mirrors and hung them on the walls to see themselves better. The mirror example hung on the wall in this period is different from the small hand mirrors used at that time. Societies such as Mediterranean civilizations, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans used metals such as copper, tin and bronze in making mirrors. These mirrors were generally seen and used as ornaments, especially for wealthy Roman women. a sign of prestige and wealth has happened. Since the cost of mirrors was quite high in those periods, they generally appealed to the use of the rich class.
Mirror culture in Egypt, death and life after death developed as a result of their beliefs. In Egyptian civilization, death was seen not only as a natural event, but also as an area of reckoning in the afterlife; Therefore, post-death rituals have become very important. Mummification and other funeral rituals were performed to protect soulmates called Ka and Ba. The Egyptians believed that Ka represented the body and energy and Ba represented the soul or consciousness. These beliefs are also a reason why mirrors are found in their graves; It was thought that the deceased could assist these soulmates in the afterlife.
The Gate of Transition Between Earth and the Afterlife
In Egypt, mirrors had a special importance in tombs. ancient Egyptians, Through mirrors, it is believed that the Ka (soul) of the deceased is protected and allowed to pass to the other world. He believed. Not only did we see this tradition in Egypt, but similar practices were also seen in different civilizations. Mirrors have been seen as a kind of gateway between this world and the afterlife.
Since prehistoric times, various civilizations have used mirrors for different purposes. Ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, Chinese, Mayans and Incas buried their dead with metal or stone mirrors.. These mirrors were used to capture the soul, ward off evil spirits, or check the appearance of the body before passing into the afterlife. These similar practices may arise from the perception of the mirror as a gateway to different dimensions and the interaction between civilizations.
The mirror tradition has been similar in other civilizations as well as in Egypt. For example, the Sumerians used the shiny surface of glass as a mirror. SumeriansThey created various gods and researched ways to predict the future. Also animals to examine the internal organs and to see the sky They used mirrors to do related studies. This shows that the use of mirrors is also used for different purposes beyond just reflecting properties.
Mirrors Beginning to Take a Place in Daily Life
The Sumerians could not increase the size of the mirrors because they could not reach the quality of today’s glass. They made mirrors using greenish-blue glass, but the quality of this glass was not up to today’s standards. During this period, the Sumerians produced mirrors by using the shiny surface of glass and coating them with different metals, and this gave them superiority over metal mirrors that tended to rust at that time.
Similar examples of the first glazed mirrors were made in the 15th century. It was made in Flanders and then took its place in history when Venice developed a new technique in the 16th century. VenetiansThey used a special alloy to make mirrors close to the quality of silver glazed mirrors. This made Venetian mirrors famous in the world, and mirror exports from Venice began to various countries.
It was an important turning point when Venice facilitated the making of mirrors with this new technique and popularized its use. At the glass works on the island of Murano Masters who knew this glazing technique worked, and the masters were prevented from leaving the island so that this technique would not leak to other countries. The hidden mirror technique used by the Venetians involved coating the glass with a glaze on the back using a sheet of tin and mercury.
this is Venice Mirror production with glazing techniqueIt represented an important leap forward in the history of the mirror. This secret was revealed by the masters who were kidnapped from the glass facilities on the island of Murano. The mystery behind the making of the mirror has been solved.
of the french The mirror glazing technique they stole from the Venetians caused a huge increase in mirror manufacturing. The end of the monopoly in Venice led to the spread of mirror production and a decline in prices. From this period onwards, mirrors began to take part in daily life both as religious symbols and decorative objects.
In the second half of the Baroque Era, large-sized wall mirrors decorated with rich relief and carved details were produced. The stunning mirrors found in places such as the Palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau, especially Palace of VersaillesIt drew attention with the example where 483 pieces of glass were used in the “Hall of Mirrors” of .
The glazing technique developed by the Venetians was used approximately throughout the 19th century. During this period, the back side of the mirrors was coated with copper and tin alloys. In the mid-19th century, German chemist Liebig developed the silver plating method and it has become a method used in glazing techniques today. Mirror making has gone through a long historical process using different glazes from stagnant water surfaces, polished stones and metals. It was produced in the 19th century in the sense we use today.
Use of Mirror and Beliefs in Turkish History
In Turkish history, Mahmud of Kashgar‘Fame Divânu Lügati’t-Türk There are three different explanations about the mirror in his work. One of these definitions is that the word mirror is expressed with ember and man’s desire to see himself It is understood that it has continued since its existence. The objects found in the ruins of the nomadic Khazars reflect man’s desire to see himself for protection and adornment.
ÇatalhöyükFour graves were found in; These graves contained two female and two male dead. A mirror made of metal and a necklace were found near the woman’s body. A mirror made of obsidian is considered the ancestor of man-made mirrors and is a sign of the transition to the use of metals. However, these metal mirrors would often rust.
Anatolia and Central Asian lands, It has interacted with many civilizations and cultures. In these regions, there is a tradition of leaving mirrors in graves, as in ancient civilizations. Turks’ various beliefs about mirrors reflect their beliefs about the mysterious properties of the mirror. For example, Meskhetian Turks They believed that placing a mirror and water next to a person to see their dreams would bring them luck. Shamans in Central Asia, to summon spirits They would look into a glass or mirror filled with water.
Turks’ use of mirrors is also supported by written sources. Mirrors are mentioned in written works from the Gokturk period. Mining AgeIn the ruins of , it is seen that the first mirrors were made of iron, steel and bronze. In ancient Turks, mirrors have an important role in shaman traditions. shamansuses the mirror in their rituals and that they observe the afterlife while in trance credible. The mirror is also seen as a vessel where the souls of the deceased are collected.
Based on this information, we can summarize that the Turks’ use of mirrors is based on a deep-rooted history and cultural beliefs, and that the mirror has spiritual and ritual importance beyond just being a reflection tool. In ancient Turks, mining was intertwined with cultural beliefs. Metals in the clothes of shamans usage is evident. Metal objects such as mirrors are used to reflect different worlds and transitions during the shaman’s interdimensional journey.
Relating Mirrors to the Metaphysical Realm
Mirrors have magical meanings in different communities. For example, in Manchu-Tunguz communities, copper mirrors are believed to help shamans see the world and locate spirits in their places. Mirror, a door that holds the soul of the deceased is perceived as.
of mirrors association with the metaphysical realmIt is seen as a common belief or superstition in different cultures and civilizations. The idea that mirrors have extraordinary powers is prevalent in various cultures. Fairies, evil spirits, angels or demons reside in these objects. It has been expressed in different ways. Additionally, in some societies the mirror is sinister While it is accepted, in others it is seen as a kind of symbol of luck.
In ancient Turks, the mirror tradition is experienced in a different dimension. With the thought that looking at mirrors frequently will bring bad luck, the mirrors are always hung with their backs facing forward and they are not looked at. used in pre-Islamic Turkish texts.two faced eyeThe term refers to the use and shape of mirrors. Mirrors, with glass on one side and ornamentation on the other, are considered a door opening to different realms.
When we look at the history of the mirror in the Turks, the reflecting property of water was important for people in the past. People saw reflections on water surfaces as the first mirrors. Myths describe basic experiences in human life and point out that reflective objects such as mirrors increase people’s curiosity.
Use of mirrors in the Ottoman period As it diversifies, ornate mirrors made of gold, silver, jade and other metals have become popular. During this period, the decorations and sizes of mirrors became richer.
Myths contributed to humans thinking about the idea of mirrors, understanding the power of reflection, and discovering themselves. Especially the myth of Narcissus emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself on a reflective surface. This myth describes the relationship of mirrors with the human self and describes the discovery of man’s relationship with his own image.
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