SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural and aesthetic characteristics of the Sehzade Kulliye (950-55/1543-48) and to draw attention to its important place in the evolution of the centralized Ottoman mosque architecture. Chapter one gives a brief outline of Ottoman history, while chapter two describes the principles of Ottoman mosque architecture. It consists of three parts: terminology of Ottoman mosque architecture, the evolution of the four semidomed Ottoman mosque plan, and finally types of mosques built after the conquest of Constantinople. Chapter three deals with the exterior description of the Sehzade Cami, and makes comparisons with other mosque exteriors. The following chapter analyses the interior of the mosque. It is divided into several parts: supporting elements, the mihrab, the minbar, the hunkâr mahfili, the muezzin mahfili, the kadinlar mahfili, the zone of transition, the roofing elements and illumination, and whenever it is relevant reference is made to Ottoman decoration in general, and specifically to paintings (renkli kalem isleri) and calligraphy. Chapter five describes the structures of the kulliye. It begins with the madrasah, then continues with the taphane. the han. the imâret. the subyan mektebi. the turbes, as well as the interior tile work, the cesmes, and finishes with the outer enclosure. In the concluding chapter, a detailed study of the origin and development of the four semi-domed mosque plan is given with due consideration to the aesthetic and structures of earlier examples, and the influence of the Sehzade Cami on later developments is also shown.