Firman

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) In Turkey and some other Oriental countries, a decree or mandate issued by the sovereign; a royal order or grant; - generally given for special objects, as to a traveler to insure him protection and assistance.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

A Persian word denoting a mandate or decree; among the Turks the term is applied to such decrees as issue from the Ottoman Porte, and also to passports, the right of signing which lies with the Sultan or a Pasha; the word is also used in India to denote a permit to trade.