Osman Hamdi Bey was one of the most important artists of the Ottoman Empire. Born in 1842 in Istanbul, after studying in Paris, he became one of the pioneers of modern painting in the Ottoman Empire. Also a museum curator and archaeologist, Osman Hamdi Bey is known for his works that blend Western and Eastern cultures.

"The Tortoise Trainer" is one of his most famous paintings, completed in 1906. In the artwork, an elderly man wearing traditional Ottoman clothes is carrying a ney on his back while looking at the tortoises in front of him. In the background, a stone wall and a window catch the viewer's eye.The painting emphasizes the difficulty of an intellectual's attempt to change society. The slow movement of the tortoises signifies that change takes time. This painting is not just a painting, but a work of art that conveys an important message about Ottoman modernization.

 "The Tortoise Trainer" stands out for Osman Hamdi Bey's attention to detail and symbolic expression. The composition contains elements with artistic and philosophical depth: 

   Main Figure: The elderly man is dressed in traditional Ottoman attire. The red turban on his head symbolizes the intellectuals of the time. The ney on his back represents solitude and patience.

   Tortoises: These slow-moving animals are interpreted as a symbol of society's resistance to change.

   Colors and Atmosphere: The pastel tones in the painting create a peaceful and melancholic mood. The bent posture of the figure reminds one of someone waiting patiently.

   Space: The stone wall and window in the painting symbolize the challenges of seeking education and innovation, as well as the closed structure of society. 

   Once upon a time, in one of the ancient cities of the Ottoman Empire, there lived an old man known for his wisdom. People called him “The Tamer.” Every morning, He would come to his small courtyard  with his ney (a traditional reed flute) on his back and try to train the five turtles there. However, the turtles were slow and stubborn. The Tamer’s students and neighbors would watch his efforts with a smile. “These animals cannot be trained!” they would say. But he continued with patience. For he knew that change takes time, and every small step forward is the beginning of great transformations. Years later, The Tamer’s perseverance became an inspiration to those around him. His patience and effort became a esson not only for the turtles but also for the people. Just like the turtles he trained, the community also began to learn and change over time.

The Tortoise Trainer

And so, this is the story of “The Tortoise Trainer.” reflecting this story in his painting, Osman Hamdi Bey left us a timeless message about the power of patience and education.As the first light of dawn gently illuminated the narrow, stone-walled streets of the Ottoman era, a soft breeze drifted through the old mansions that had withstood the test of time, carrying the silent echoes of the past.

   The stone courtyard, cooled throughout the night, began to shed its shadows slowly with the morning light. The faint smell of dampness blended with the scents of basil and linden from a nearby garden, adding an old-world tranquility to the air. This silence was broken by a distant bird’s call and the slow, echoing footsteps on the stone courtyard. At that very moment, the dervish, draped in his red kaftan and holding his ney, entered the courtyard with deliberate steps. His gaze settled on the turtles he had patiently trained. Though his face bore the fatigue of the years, the faith he carried within him was like a rock untouched by time.