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Ed. The name of a 'sign language' that was introduced at Topkapı Palace by two deaf mute Bostancı 'gardeners' during Süleyman's reign. The sultan encouraged its use and it became the un-official language of the palace (especially within the walls of the 3rd and 4th courts). The use of 'ixarette' continued on into the 17th Century at Topkapi, but it had a suffocating effect on Süleyman's heir's -- one of whom never learned to speak in public with confidence. And in 1617 when the pitiful (and certifiably mad) Sultan Mustafa I refused to learn it, it started a ripple that ended in his 'abdication' after only 3 months on the throne.