The Unique Eleven-Pointed Star Polygon Design of the Topkapı Scroll
B. Lynn Bodner

Proceedings of Bridges 2009: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture
Pages 147–154
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Abstract

This paper will explore an eleven-pointed star polygon design known as Catalog Number 42 of the Topkapı Scroll. The scroll contains 114 Islamic architectural and ornamental design sketches, only one of which produces an eleven-pointed star polygon. The design also consists of “nearly regular” nine-pointed star polygons and irregularly-shaped pentagonal stars. We propose one plausible “point-joining” compass-and-straightedge reconstruction of the repeat unit for this highly unusual design.

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