Ottoman Mosque in the Balkans as the Legacy for the Contemporary Expression

Edin Jahic

doi:10.7596/taksad.v7i5.1768

Abstract

The paper explains main characteristics of existing Ottoman monuments in several Balkan countries. Ottoman architectural activity in the Balkan provinces largely reflected architectural styles founded in the principal centers of the Ottoman Empire. A few buildings were designed by the principal architects of the Empire. Traces of local diversity can be found in the designs together with certain variations in building typology, which reflect prevailing social and environmental conditions as well as local traditions, building technique and materials. Among the remaining monuments of urban environments, besides bridges, hans , hammams , and other building types, mosques largely witness a long and rich architectural Ottoman past. Concerning the typology of a mosque, mostly a single–domed type with a three–bay portico and slender minaret was the common model throughout the Balkans from the 16 th to 18 th century. Today this model still remains in the eyes of many Muslim communities and individuals the ideal model of an Islamic place of worship. The twentieth century, however, has revealed a divergence in approach to the mosque design. While numerous mosques in some Balkan countries are designed on the populist vision of the Ottoman model, a growing number of architects seek to develop a contemporary idiom in mosque design as an appropriate expression of Muslim societies.

Highlights

When we talk about Ottoman art generally, we usually accent the major achievements that appeared in the main centers of the empire, notably Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul
Concluding Remarks The above highlights of the Ottoman architectural past in the Balkan countries undoubtedly point to the origin of this artistic style, but at the same time they speak about the influences of local traditions that have contributed to specific expression and design solutions
The harmonious ogee arches are characteristic in several mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina, dating the second half of the 16th century

Summary

Introduction

When we talk about Ottoman art generally, we usually accent the major achievements that appeared in the main centers of the empire, notably Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul. It was built in the middle of 16th century and is known as the only monument in present–day Greece designed by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan.4 The walls are made by alternating brick–stone courses, typical in domestic Byzantine building tradition. Another relevant example in Skopje from the early beginning of 16th century is Yahya Pasha Mosque, an edifice with fine stone workmanship, originally built with dome that was lost in fire in 1689.

Results

Conclusion