Religious Architecture

Isa Bey Mosque is one of the oldest in Turkey, begun in 1307 and complete in 1375, it is a prime example of the transition between post-Seljuk and pre-Ottoman design. It is the oldest known mosque with an exterior courtyard, which begins to appear in the later Ottoman designs. It is one of the first mosques to contain two congregation areas, which represents the transition between Seljuk and Ottoman styles. It was quite interesting seeing this mosque after viewing the mosques in Istanbul, built during the Classical period of the Ottoman Empire. One of the most striking differences was in the style of the roof. Rather than the large dome shaped ceiling, Isa Bey consisted of triangular shaped ceilings made of wood. It was quite different than the grand tiled ceilings found throughout the mosques in Istanbul; however, it was quite striking nonetheless.

The single domed mosques that dominated the Classical Period of Ottoman architecture dot the cityscape of Istanbul. The Sultanahmet Mosque is an excellent example of this period in Ottoman design. It combines elements of both the Ottoman mosques and the Byzantine churches, and is considered by many as the last great mosque of the classical period. There are more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles lining the walls, which is quite different from the unadorned interior of the Isa Bey Mosque. The exterior of the Sultanahmet Mosque is also quite ornate, with a cascade of domes spilling out of the main central dome.

The Church of St. Antoine, originally established in 1725, was rebuilt between 1906 and 1912 in a Venetian Neo-Gothic style of architecture. Obviously it is quite different from the two mosques described above. By the time this church was established, Turkey had already begun the process of Westernization, so many of the buildings built around this time mimic those found in Europe. However, there are other differences as well. As you wander through the Church, there are statues and pictorial descriptions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph that are absent throughout the mosques. I also thought it was quite interesting that whereas each mosque dominates the space it is in, becoming the centerpiece of the street it resides, St. Antoine was tucked within a gated courtyard, almost hidden from view. As we were walking down the street, peeking into courtyards to catch glimpses of the buildings within we stumbled upon St. Antoine. Had we not looked over at that moment, I think we probably would have missed it. Regardless, it was quite beautiful.

I also thought it was interesting that within the Church there are signs posted saying that cameras are not allowed. Inside, however, was like a tourist frenzy, with people wandering from statue to statue snapping photos, and posing in front of the altar. I began to wonder if that is what I look like in the various mosques we’ve visited. Although many of the mosques have areas for visitors to congregate within, although I am sure that would be distracting as you are trying to pray.