A hand-carved ʿaqīq (banded agate or carnelian) talisman, shaped in a mihrab / mosque-arch silhouette, which is a traditional form for protective pendants. • The script is talismanic naskh or thuluth, densely packed—typical of 19th–early 20th century Ottoman, Central Asian, or Afghan production. • The content appears to include Qur’anic verses and divine names. “بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم” at the top (Basmala). Likely Ayat al-Kursi or selected asma’ al-ḥusna (names of God) in the grid. Surrounding borders with protective invocations Carved agate talismans like this were used for: • Protection from harm • Blessings and healing • Good fortune & warding off the evil eye • Often worn or kept in a pocket. The carving is quite fine: There is deep and even intaglio engraving, clean and confident lines, good symmetry in the grid, high translucency of the agate when backlit— so it is a quality stone. 8 x 7 cm, 53 gr