I should have mentioned the tughra, a remarkably-ornate, one might say
very stylized work of Arabic calligraphy. I started to describe it, came
to my senses and Googled ([tughra]), and not surprisingly, found a good
"hit":
<http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/TUGHRA/tughra.html>

Some years ago, I read an extensive illustrated article about this; it was
memorable. Have long forgetten where I read of it, but possibly the
National Geographic.

Imho, all Qalamites should be aware of the tughra.

Btw, I haven't suddenly became pro-Ottoman; I'm essentially neutral. It's
simply that I've encountered an article on their calligraphy, and then
remembered the tughra. (Nothing like posting a message to jog one's
memory. :) )

Best regards,

--
Nicholas Bodley /*|*\ Waltham, Mass. (Not "MA")
Whose cousins are half Armenian