🕌 Islamische Architektur in Istanbuls Moscheen verstehen

Istanbul’s skyline is an unparalleled exhibition of Islamic architecture, particularly evident in its majestic mosques. These structures are not merely places of worship but also profound expressions of faith, power, and artistic ingenuity. Understanding the key features of Islamic architecture provides a deeper appreciation for the cultural and spiritual context embedded within these magnificent buildings.

Key Features of Islamic Architecture in Mosques

1. Domes: The dome is arguably the most iconic element of Ottoman mosque architecture, symbolizing the vault of heaven and God’s omnipresence. Ottoman domes, especially those designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan, are characterized by their vastness and sense of weightlessness, often achieved through a complex system of semi-domes and cascading smaller domes that support the main one.

• Süleymaniye Mosque: This colossal mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, exemplifies the grandeur of Ottoman domes. Its central dome, almost 27 meters in diameter, is supported by four massive piers and a series of semi-domes, creating an expansive and luminous interior space. The visual flow from the ground level up to the apex of the dome is designed to draw the eye upwards, fostering a sense of awe and spiritual elevation.
• Şehzade Mosque: Also an early work by Sinan, the Şehzade Mosque is often considered his “apprentice work” but still showcases a highly developed dome system. It features a central dome supported by four semi-domes, creating a powerful sense of symmetry and balance. This mosque is a significant step in the evolution of the classical Ottoman mosque plan.

2. Minarets: Slender, towering minarets are quintessential to mosque architecture, serving primarily as a platform from which the muezzin (caller to prayer) announces the adhan (call to prayer) five times a day. Their graceful forms add verticality and elegance to the horizontal expanse of the dome, creating a harmonious silhouette. Ottoman minarets are typically pencil-shaped, often with multiple balconies (şerefe) adorned with stalactite-like corbels (muqarnas).

• Süleymaniye Mosque: Features four tall, slender minarets, signifying its status as an imperial mosque built by a sultan. The strategic placement and height of these minarets contribute significantly to the mosque’s imposing presence on the Istanbul skyline.
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Uniquely features six minarets, a number typically reserved for the Kaaba in Mecca, underscoring its imperial ambition and grandeur. The sheer number and intricate detailing of these minarets make it instantly recognizable.

3. Mihrab: Der mihrab is a niche in the qibla wall of a mosque, indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, towards which Muslims face during prayer. It is typically ornately decorated, often with marble, tiles, or stucco, and serves as the focal point of the prayer hall.

• Rüstem Paşa Mosque: While a smaller and more intimate mosque, the Rüstem Paşa Mosque is celebrated for its unparalleled use of İznik tiles. Its mihrab, along with the entire interior, is a dazzling display of these vibrant, intricately patterned ceramic tiles, creating an ethereal and captivating space for prayer. The tilework elevates the mihrab from a mere directional marker to a work of art.
• Blue Mosque: Its mihrab is a magnificent example, carved from finely worked marble, with a stalactite niche and a surrounding panel of exquisite İznik tiles, drawing the worshipper’s eye towards the sacred direction.

4. Minbar: Der minbar is a pulpit located to the right of the mihrab, from which the imam (prayer leader) delivers the khutbah (sermon) during Friday prayers and Eid celebrations. Minbars are often highly decorative, typically crafted from carved wood or marble, with a staircase leading up to a small platform.

• Süleymaniye Mosque: The minbar here is a fine example of classical Ottoman craftsmanship, made of intricately carved white marble. Its elegant lines and detailed geometric patterns reflect the period’s aesthetic values.
• Blue Mosque: The minbar of the Blue Mosque is particularly notable for its superb marble carving and the overall harmonious integration with the mosque’s vast interior.

5. Calligraphy: Islamic calligraphy is a revered art form, considered the highest expression of Islamic visual arts. In mosques, calligraphy adorns domes, walls, and panels, featuring verses from the Quran, names of God and the Prophet Muhammad, or proverbs. It not only beautifies the space but also imparts spiritual messages, often serving as a form of non-representational art in keeping with Islamic aniconism.

• Hagia Sophia (as a mosque): While originally a Byzantine church, its conversion into a mosque saw the addition of immense calligraphic roundels (levhalar) bearing the names of Allah, Muhammad, and the first four caliphs. These majestic disks, along with other calligraphic inscriptions, are powerful examples of Ottoman artistry.
• Blue Mosque: The interior of the Blue Mosque is richly adorned with calligraphy, particularly on the upper levels of the walls and within the dome, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and guiding the worshipper’s contemplation.
• Rüstem Paşa Mosque: Though dominated by tiles, the delicate calligraphic friezes and panels interspersed with the tilework further enhance the mosque’s aesthetic and spiritual depth.

Cultural Context

These architectural features are deeply intertwined with Islamic beliefs and Ottoman cultural values. The vast prayer halls, unadorned by seating, emphasize the egalitarian nature of prayer, where all stand equally before God. The emphasis on light and open space creates an ethereal environment, encouraging contemplation and a connection with the divine. The intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs, often found in tilework and carvings, symbolize the infinite and ordered nature of God’s creation, while avoiding figural representations in adherence to Islamic principles. Mosques were also often part of larger külliyes (complexes) that included soup kitchens, hospitals, schools, and hammams, serving as community hubs that provided essential services and fostered social cohesion.

Deepen Your Understanding of Islamic Art & Architecture!

• Besuchen Sie die Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts to explore a magnificent collection of Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, carpets, and more.
• Embark on our Mosque-Focused Guided Walks to delve into the architectural and spiritual significance of Istanbul’s grandest mosques.