Seljuk Architecture (1071-1308) - PDF

1071-1308 BCE| ARCHITECTURE OF THE SELJUKS ARC 2027 HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE Presentation – 4 Instructor: Assist. Prof. (PhD) Berna Yaylalı Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308)...

1071-1308 BCE| ARCHITECTURE OF THE SELJUKS ARC 2027 HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE Presentation – 4 Instructor: Assist. Prof. (PhD) Berna Yaylalı Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Around 1000 AD, Anatolia had been part of the Byzantine Empire. In 1071, at the Battle of Manzikert (Malazgirt Savaşı), Seljuk forces reached and invaded Anatolia. "Seljuk (also spelled Seljuq), was a ruling military family of the Oğuz (Ghuzz) Turkic tribes that invaded southwestern Asia in the 11th century and eventually founded an empire that included Mesopotamia Syria, Palestine, and most of Iran." (Britannica) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate (The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum) ("The name Rûm was a synonym for Greek, as it remains in modern Turkish, although it derives from the Arabic name for Romans, ar-Rūm, itself a loan from Greek "Romans"; ie. citizens superordinately to Latin-speakers.") (Diyar-ı Rum) The Sultanate of Rum was founded in Konya by the emperor Tughril Beg (Tuğrul Bey). (Britannica) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate (The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum) Anatolian Seljuk cities developed on the urban heritage inherited from Byzantine, but also organized spatially under the impact of pre-Anatolian Turkish urban culture. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Seljuk Cities according to Function: 1- administrative and political centers, fortified cities (Konya, Kayseri) 2- military organization centers, Uç (the frontier) (Denizli, Kütahya, Ankara) 3- center of international trading activities (Antalya, Sinop) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Anatolian Seljuks government system SULTAN (king) (lord) (lord) (lord) BEY/MELİK BEY/MELİK BEY/MELİK Amir Ulema Amir Ulema Amir Ulema (chief) (scholars) (chief) (scholars) (chief) (scholars) Anatolian Seljuks has two main objectives in terms of their governing policy: 1.ensure the diffusion of Islam, 2.provide safe places in order to promote international trade. They reached this objectives through architecture. Seljuks were great builders and Sultans were giving high importance to construction. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) BUILDING TYPES: The Anatolian Seljuks built the following types of structures: Mosques (both the larger "ulu" [great] mosques and the smaller "mescit" [masjid] neighborhood mosques) Madrasas (buildings for higher education in the sciences, astronomy or religion) Hospitals (şifahane/darüşşifa) which could also be combined with a medical school Caravansarais (hans) Tomb towers (kumbet) Palaces and pavilions Bridges Military constructions (castles, fortresses, city walls) Civil constructions and urban infrastructure (altyapı) Baths Dervish lodges (tekke) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Cross-Cultural Connections in Architecture and Art of the Anatolian Seljuks: The art and architecture of the Seljuks of Anatolia inherited many aspects from the numerous empires that preceded it or with which it came in contact: Flag of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate (two-headed eagle is one of the national symbols) Persians, Assyrians, Sassanids, Armenians, Greeks, Latins, Byzantines, and finally Mongolians. Dirham of Kaykhusraw II, minted at Sivas 1240–1241 AD (lion is one of the national symbols) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Cross-Cultural Connections in Architecture and Art of the Anatolian Seljuks: The exchange and synthesis of different traditions were vividly reflected in Seljuk architecture and art. Anatolia was new to Islam, and the Seljuks were the first to introduce Islamic art and architecture in these lands. Above: Tile panel with sphinx Below: Sculptures showing the Seljuk Turks (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Cross-Cultural Connections in Architecture and Art of the Anatolian Seljuks: Although inspired by many design and construction elements, Seljuk art and architecture developed its own distinct identity. Examples from the architectural implementations in Anatolia  DISTINCT CHARACTERISTICS OF SELJUK ART AND ARCHITECTURE Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Seljuk architecture in Anatolia: Seljuk art and architecture characterized by its use of stone, brick and ceramic work. Seljuks used colorful ceramic tiles and glazed bricks on their buildings, which they influenced from Byzantine and Persian cultures. Tomb of Sahip Ata, 1283, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Design elements include calligraphy, polychrome bands of stone, vegetal and geometric patterns in a palette of turquoise blue, cobalt blue, black and white. Gök Madrasa, 1277, Tokat Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) ---The madrasa was an important element of Seljuk political ideology, initially serving to promote the Islamization of the Anatolian population. The madrasa served to enforce the Seljuk’s Sunni beliefs. madrasa was usually founded by a sultan or nobleman, who would endow it to meet its expenses. ---As with the caravansaries, the Seljuk madrasa followed a standard form. They were rectangular, compact, and relatively windowless, appearing as solid objects in the landscape. Portals, however, were often richly Gök Madrasa, 1277, Tokat carved. The complex geometry of Islamic design – by Eric Broug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg1NpMmPv48&t=35s  Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The decoration on Seljuk buildings was concentrated around the main door and also on the minarets or domes. Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), 1253, Erzurum Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) "The socles (taban) of the minarets are faced with fine dressed stones up to the molding level on top of the façade forming unity with it; their upper parts are of brick." Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), 1253, Erzurum http://www.selcuklumirasi.com /architectural-buildings Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Stone carving was another specialty of Seljuks. They displayed them on the monumental portals (taç kapı) or facades of their buildings. Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), 1253, Erzurum Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Gök Madrasa, 1267, Tokat FEATURES OF SELJUK ARCHITECTURE Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The distinguishing characteristic of Seljuk architecture is the monumental portal (taç kapı). It is a richly decorated monumental entrance of the building, which built of stone. Decoration on Seljuk monuments was used in moderation, and was concentrated around the main door or the sides of the entrance, or in the case of mosques, on the minarets or domes. Tuzhisar Sultanhanı, Kayseri, 1232-1236 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The monumental portal is decorated by a triangular arch filled with stalactite (sarkıt biçimli) ornamenting by carving stones. These ornaments are known as muqarnas (mukarnas). Tuzhisar Sultanhanı, Kayseri, 1232-1236 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Tuzhisar Sultanhanı, Kayseri, 1232-1236 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Beside of the muqarnas, other design elements of portals include calligraphy, Kufic scripts from Quran, vegetal and geometric patterns. They were often used along the cornices or to frame portals. Muzaffer Bürüciye Madrasa, 1271, Sivas Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Another important element used in Seljuk architecture is the iwan (eyvan), a large vaulted space in the form of a large niche around a central courtyard. At one end, it is left open to the courtyard. Buildings could have 1, 2, 3, or 4 iwans. The iwan provided shelter and allowed contact with the outdoor. Masjıd-i Camii (Jameh Mosque of Isfahan), Isfahan, Iran Muzaffer Bürüciye Madrasa, 1271, Sivas Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The dome, employed in the Middle East since Assyrian times, is another distinctive feature of Seljuk architecture. The dome was supported by pendentives in a peculiar triangular shape, known as "Turkish triangles." Pendentive (‘bingi’ in Turkish): The concave triangular sections of vaulting that provide the transition between a dome and the square base on which it is set and transfer the weight of the dome. pendentive Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) What is the advantage of dome with pendentives when we compare it with a central dome like in Pantheon? Pantheon, Rome, Italy, 118 – 126 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The structural innovation of the dome with pendentives made possible to expand the building with vaults and semi-domes far beyond of the central dome. Load distribution by the Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, 532-37 AD  Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Twin Minaret Madrasa, 1253, Erzurum Karatay Madrasa, Konya, 1251-52 The triangular pendentives, known as “Turkish triangles,” are architectural speciality of the Anatolian Seljuks. The interior face of the dome was decorated with tiles or glazed bricks. Seljuk architecture in Konya | Architecture | Showcase https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2YKKUpT6QE BUILDING TYPES IN SELJUK ARCHITECTURE Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Anatolian Seljuks has two main objectives in terms of their building policy: 1. ensure the diffusion of Islam 2. provide safe places in order to promote international trade In order to ensure these objectives, Anatolian Seljuks built two types of buildings: religious buildings and civic buildings. They construct and run their public buildings within a charity system that they found and called Vaqf (Vakıf sistemi). Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Several of Anatolian Seljuk buildings are in good conditions today, since wood, stone and brick had used as a material. The Anatolian Seljuks built religious and civic types of buildings: Religious Buildings: 1- Mosques The mosque is where Muslims meet to pray. All mosques are oriented towards Kaaba. This direction is shown by the mihrab, a niche in the qibla wall. To the right of the mihrab stands the minbar, a raised desk on which the preacher stands. Alâeddin Mosque, 1155, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Certain elements of Anatolian Seljuk mosques can be traced back to Ummayad and Abbasid mosques in Syria and Iraq. There are also influences of local Anatolian traditions and building materials. Mahperi Hatun Mosque, 1238, Kayseri We must therefore view the development of Anatolian mosque architecture in a synthesis of Turkish-Islamic culture and Anatolian traditions. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) 1- Mosques: Anatolian Seljuks built two types of mosques; Masjid (mescit): the smallest type of Anatolian Seljuk mosques located in Inner Castle neighborhood of the Masjid (Kale cities, Mescidi), 12th century, Erzurum they basically have a square building plan surmounted by a dome (spherical or conical). Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Inner Castle Masjid (Kale Mescidi), 12th century, Erzurum Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Inner Castle Masjid (Kale Mescidi), Divriği, Sivas, 12th century Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) "Ulu", the great mosques: they were located in the city centers. Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) "Ulu", the great mosques: the typical ulu mosque plan consisted of an enclosed rectangular space within a hypostyle arrangement, which has a roof supported by many columns. http://www.selcuklumirasi.com /architectural-buildings Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091: "There was formerly a church, known as the Mama Tor, where the Great Mosque now stands. The mosque was built on the remains of this church, but there is no information about the plan and architectural details of the church." Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) "Ulu", the great mosques: the rectangle is arranged in an elongated basilical plan, with a wide central aisle. They could have aisles parallel or perpendicular to the prayer niche. http://www.selcuklumirasi.com /architectural-buildings Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091: "There was formerly a church, known as the Mama Tor, where the Great Mosque now stands. The mosque was built on the remains of this church, but there is no information about the plan and architectural details of the church." Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) "Ulu", the great mosques: some cases have a central courtyard. Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) "Ulu", the great mosques: As many of the Ulu Mosques were commissioned by the Sultan or by his viziers, they often had elaborate decorative programs, including carved woodwork for minbars and furniture and tilework for mihrabs (prayer niche) and minarets, as well as specially-commissioned carpets. Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Great Mosque (Ulucami), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) (Great Mosque) The Ulucami of Divriği has an internal space which formerly contained a fountain below its dome with an oculus or opening in the top. An articulated and refined great mosque of the axial or basilical type, where the mihrab is placed on one of the shorter sides of the rectangular prayer hall, is the Ulucami of Great Mosque (Ulucami), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Divriği. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Ulucami of Divriği The small dodecahedral (12 yüzlü) dome in front of the mihrab, is special in terms of Seljuk Architecture, because having a dome in front of the mihrab in Seljuk mosque architecture is not a common thing. Having a dome in front of the mihrab is common in Ottoman mosques. Great Mosque (Ulucami), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) (Great Mosque) The Ulucami of Divriği has an internal space which formerly contained a fountain below its dome with an oculus or opening in the top. An articulated and refined great mosque of the axial or basilical type, where the mihrab is placed on one of the shorter sides of the rectangular prayer hall, is the Ulucami of Great Mosque (Ulucami), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Divriği. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The Ulucami of Divriği also contains a hospital (Darüşşifa). Great Mosque and Hospital (Ulucami ve Darüşşifası), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229: Hospital interor Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Ulucami of Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital (Ulucami ve Darüşşifası), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229: Hospital interor Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Ulucami of Divriği The exquisite carvings and architecture of both buildings place them among the most important works of architecture in Anatolia and led to their inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1985: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/358 Great Mosque and Hospital (Ulucami ve Darüşşifası), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Ulucami of Divriği The north portal Darüşşifa (hospital) The portal of the mosque Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Ulucami of Divriği - carvings Great Mosque and Hospital (Ulucami ve Darüşşifası), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Ulucami of Divriği - carvings Great Mosque and Hospital (Ulucami ve Darüşşifası), Divriği, Sivas, 1228-1229 Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) The Mosque of Alâeddin in Konya: It has a flat earthen roof on timber beams supported by columns instead of stone. The use of columns gives the interior an atmosphere of spaciousness. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Alâeddin Mosque, 1155, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Alâeddin Mosque, 1155, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Alâeddin Mosque, 1155, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Alâeddin Mosque, 1155, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091  A comparison… Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), Diyarbakır, 1091 Great Mosque, Damascus, 715, Syria Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Use of timber Eşrefoğlu Mosque, 1299, Beyşehir, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Religious Buildings: 2- Mausoleums (türbe or kümbet) Seljuk mausoleums are small buildings in the form of a tower, with cylindrical or polygonal plans. They are used for commemoration. They have two levels in section. The ground level is used as masjid. Underneath the ground level, there is a grave where the body is buried. The Ottoman type differed in having the burial in ground level. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) In Turkish, referring to a Seljuk mausoleum differs according to its roof covering: if the roof is covered by a spherical dome, it is called türbe, if the roof has a conical dome, it is called kümbet. Sırçalı Türbe, 13th century, Kayseri Ali Cafer Kümbeti, 13th century, Kayseri Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Civic Buildings: 1- Madrasas: They are buildings for higher education in the subjects of religion, law, language and literature, sciences and astronomy. Each Anatolian city at least has one such Koranic (Kuran’a ait) schools. They were serving to promote the Islamization of the Anatolian population, which until the 13th century had been predominantly Christian. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Madrasas share similar spatial organization properties: They have lecture halls, study areas, dorm rooms, mescid (masjid), and some cases might have a türbe. They followed a standard form; rectangular, compact and relatively windowless appearing as solid objects in the landscape. They have a central courtyard with set of iwans. Portals were richly decorated. A minaret or double set of minarets were located closely to the portal in order to emphasize it. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Slender Minaret Madrasa (İnce Minareli Medrese), 1260, Konya Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) masjid Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), 1253, Erzurum Although the domed-square masjid can be an independent building, it can also be an integral part of a larger structure or annex (ek yapı) to it. Twin Minaret Madrasa in Erzurum and Gök Madrasa in Sivas are examples of madrasa with a masjid incorporated into the plan. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Decoration with glazed brick and tile-work Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), 1253, Erzurum Architecture of the Seljuks Gök Madrasa, 1277, Sivas (by the order of the Vizier Sahip Ata Faahreddin Ali) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Gök Madrasa, 1277, Sivas (Vizier Sahip Ata Faahreddin Ali) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Civic Buildings: 2- Caravanserais: Caravanserai is a combination of the words caravan (a group that is headed by a leader or soldiers, and consists of travelers, animals and carts) and serai (palace), basically it means a palace with safe space for caravans. Since the travelling routes were not safe in mediaeval ages, and travelling was difficult dangerous and slow, Seljuks built these buildings in order to support trade and commerce by safe transit of goods on the various spots of trade routes of Anatolia. Caravanserais were giving free services under the vaqf system. Besides their commercial function they were also a symbol of power for its donors. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) What are the factors that shows the symbolic power of a Caravanserai that bring prestige to its donor? 1. Base areas of Caravanserais: the bigger base area means the wealthier donor. 2. Location of Caravanserais: whether it is close to the important spots on trade and caravan routes or not. 3. Some architectural features of Caravanserais: – inscription panels: introducing donor and giving the construction date, and name of the present Sultan. They told travelers to whom they should show gratitude for their free stay. – having a Masjid: supports the image of its donor and the present Sultan. – figures of lion: showing the military power of the Sultan. – bird of prey (eagle): showing the respect to the Sultan. – figure of a lion with a rising sun (şir-i hurşid): royal symbol. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) İncir Han, 1238, Bucak/Burdur Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) İncir Han, 1238, Bucak/Burdur: figure of a lion with a rising sun (şir-i hurşid) (royal symbol) Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Caravanserais share similar spatial organization properties: They are typically square and rectangular buildings. Their layout consists of two parts: the shelter and service spaces. Shelter spaces are closed spaces used for accommodating travelers and their animals in the caravan. Service spaces are semi-open or small closed spaces around a central courtyard, including storage rooms, kitchen, lavatories, bath (hamam) and masjid raised on a stone platform. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Caravanserais share similar spatial organization properties: They have thick stone exterior walls with less openings. Their exterior walls are plain and devoid of decoration. However, their portals are the most decorated part of the facade. Portals are decorated with geometric designs and inscription panels. – Inscription panels introduce donor, construction date and the name of the present Sultan. Architecture of the Seljuks (1071 - 1308) Main achievements of Anatolian Seljuks: They were the first Turkish society to invade Anatolia almost completely. They were ancestors of Ottoman Empire and also the Turkish people living in Turkey, today. As a result of their cross-cultural connections, their architecture is a blend of Central Asian, Byzantine and early Islamic architecture. They were great builders and constructed two types of buildings, which are religious and civic. They developed a well-organized system of international trade, and as a result, they introduced a distinct building typology, which is called Caravanserai. Seljuks as the ancestors of the modern Turkey: Stamps showing the architectural inheritance You may also watch the following documentaries, to enhace your knowledge: "Showcase: The glory of Seljuks": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A12F2Wi4BtM "The Song of Stones: The Heritage of Anatolian Seljuk architecture" (seminars): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edyJfzPju94 Sources: Akalın Ş., “İslâm Ansiklopedisi” [Encyclopaedia of Islam], vol. 25, Ankara, 2002. Britannica, Online edition, 2021. Hillenbrand R., Islamic Architecture: Form, Function and Meaning. New York, 1994. Ögel S., Anadolu’nun Selçuklu Çehresi [The Seljuk Face of Anatolia]. Istanbul, 1994. Önge, Mustafa. “Caravanserais as Symbols of Power in Seljuk Anatolia,” Architecture and Power in the Ottoman and Turkish States. pp. 49-69. Redford S., Landscape and the State in Medieval Anatolia. Oxford, 2000. "Selçuklu Mimarisi." http://www.selcuklumirasi.com/architectural-buildings