Muqarnas Domes in Edirne

Abstract

The muqarnas is one of the most original inventions of Islamic Architecture. This decorative technique made up of small prismatic units was among the most characteristic features of Medieval Islamic Architecture from Iran to Spain. Although it was extensively used on domes, vaults, semidomes, transition zones, mihraps, portals, niches, minarets, capitals, and in all sort of buildings, the most effective use of muqarnas was on domes and vaults. Edirne, as the second capital of Ottoman Empire, is one of the most important centres where muqarnas domes were widely used in the fifteenth century. Unfortunately, up to present time, very little interest has been shown in their geometric orders, structures and materials by researchers. In order to establish the muqarnas system, which is formed essentially by the projecting rows of niches gradually becoming narrower in upper levels, a two-dimensional design at the base of the dome was necessary. The horizontal projection of muqarnas decoration shows the precision of the geometric design. The existence of standard units also confirms this. Accordingly, the data based on precise measured drawings of muqarnas domes can be classified under several headings: formal, geometrical and decorative characteristics, proportions, geometric figures, relationship between the muqarnas elements and horizontal lines and finally construction arid application techniques. This paper aims to study the geometric order, plastic character and otherfeatures of the muqarnas domes built in thefifteenth century in Edirne.