An essay on Byzantine architectural influence on the spatial organization of the architect Sinan’s square baldachin single-domed mosques

Abstract

The works of the Ottoman Empire’s Master Architect Sinan that he attached great importance to and produced the greatest in number were mosques. Mimar Sinan made use of multiple-support systems such as 4, 6 and 8-baldachins in his domed structures, planning the layouts of his domed buildings around the framework of these systems. In this article, five of Mimar Sinan’s square baldachin, singledomed mosques (Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan, Zal Mahmut Pasha, Lüleburgaz Sokullu Mehmet Pasha, Fatih Bali Pasha and Manisa Muradiye) are selected, aiming to present an essay on the observed influence of Byzantine architecture in the domed square-baldachin and adjacent spaces that form the main area of these buildings.

Keywords

• Ottoman architecture
• Byzantine architecture
• Architect Sinan
• square baldachin
• single-domed mosque