A tughra is a calligraphic monogram, seal or signature of a sultan that was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. Inspired by the tamgha, it was also carved on his seal and stamped on the coins minted during his reign. Very elaborate decorated versions were created for important documents that were also works of art in the tradition of Ottoman illumination, such as the example of Suleiman the Magnificent in the gallery below.
The first Ottoman tughra, Orhan I (1326).
The Tughra at Dolmabahçe Palace.
Decorated tughra of Süleyman the Magnificent (1520)
Tughra on the Gate of Felicity at Topkapı Palace
A monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters or other graphemes to form one symbol. Monograms are often made by combining the initials of an individual or a company, used as recognizable symbols or logos. A series of uncombined initials is properly referred to as a cypher and is not a monogram.
The Chi-Rho, a monogram of the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ
Zirkel composed of E, F, V.
Monogram on a ceramic tile, in Paris
Speciedaler of Denmark, bearing the double C7 monogram of Christian VII