SHEHZADE MOSQUE
THE BIRTH OF OTTOMAN MOSQUE TYPOLOGY
Loai Dabbour (1) and Naser Almoghrabi (2)
(1) Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Departments of Architecture
11733, Amman, Jordan
(2) Al-Ahliyya Amman University of Jordan, department of Interior Design
19328, Amman, Jordan
ABSTRACT
The core of this paper deals with several different levels of architectural analysis related to the formation of the Ottoman mosque style. In this connection, two primary sets of parameters are critiqued and discussed. First, our goal is to understand the changing models of mosque space formations. The acquisition of places of worship has always played a crucial role in the principle of space and space morphology. Many ruling dynasties in Islamic culture, have always sought to establish a new environment for innovative place of worship; over the decades these space morphologies have become symbolically laden arenas with respect to design. Second, a range of drawings, plans, sections, and elevations are studied and evaluated; the analysis of these documents will shed light on the ideas conceived by Sinan the architect for the establishing of a new Ottoman mosque typology.
This type of evaluation helps us to understand to what extent the physical space of the mosque serves as a planning apparatus within the realm of design. The same apparatus can simultaneously help the designer to carefully experiment at multiple levels of engagement with a building plan since no established design standards exist for a mosque. Our approach is legitimized by the fact that the word mosque (Masjid) literally and quite simply means ‘a place of prostration’, with no a priori style or form dictating it beyond its basic use; as such the spatial characteristics of the mosque, are intrinsically defined by the act of prostration. This is especially so because the act of worship in Islam is not rigidly tied to a particular place, space or form but rather to a prescribed time. The mosque is a system of temporal spatial coordinates; it carries no preconceived order with the exception of the required physical Qiblah orientation towards Makkah.
Mosques are one type of the buildings which symbolize Islamic architecture. This paper discusses some aspects of the formation of the Ottoman mosque style using the Shehzade mosque as the first model that sets the principles and rules of this style. The paper deals with the following main themes: the meaning and significance of Ottoman style; function–form relationship; interior space formations; and construction parameters. Every theme signifies a permanent feature of ottoman mosque typology which derives its strength and merit from Sinan’s experiences.