and I related
what follows； because despite my regret； I also felt hope：
“Your Enishte taught Elegant Effendi that he was involved in some
forbidden project by covering up the final picture； by revealing only a specific
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spot to each of us and having us draw something there—by giving the picture
an air of mystery and secrecy； it was Enishte himself who instilled the fear of
heresy。 He； not the Erzurumis who’ve never seen an illuminated manuscript in
their lives； was the first to spread the frenzy and panic about sin that infected
us。 Meanwhile； what would an artist with a clear conscience have to fear？”
“There’s much that an artist with a clear conscience has to fear in our day；”
said Black smugly。 “Indeed； no one has anything to say against decoration； but
pictures are forbidden by our faith。 Because the illustrations of the Persian
masters and even the masterpieces of the greatest masters of Herat are
ultimately seen as an extension of border ornamentation； no one would take
issue with them； reasoning that they enhanced the beauty of writing and the
magnificence of calligraphy。 And who sees our painting anyway？ However； as
we make use of the methods of the Franks； our painting is being less
focused on ornamentation and intricate design and more on straightforward
representation。 This is what the Glorious Koran forbids and what displeased
Our Prophet。 Both Our Sultan and my Enishte knew this quite well。 This was
the reason for my Enishte’s murder。”
“Your Enishte was murdered because he was afraid；” I said。 “Just like you；
he’d begun to claim that