Mosques of Istanbul, Including the Mosques of Bursa and Edirne,
Scala Publishers, London and Istanbul 2010
The author, Henry Matthews, conceived this book both as a guide for travelers and an introduction to Ottoman mosques for readers interested in architectural history. In a chronologically planned account,
he traces their evolution from small, fourteenth century examples in the first Ottoman capitals, Bursa and Edirne, to those built after the capture of Constantinople in 1453 and goes up to the nineteenth century. The centrepiece of the book is an analysis of the work of Michelangelo's contemporary, the great sixteenth century architect Mimar Sinan who experimented boldly with structure, space and light. His work ranges from small neighbourhood mosques with charming gardens to the the vast centralised structures commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent and his son Selim II. The story continues with the fascinating innovations of the late classical, Baroque and neoclassical periods.
The multi-domed Green Mosque, Bursa
Structure space and light: Sinan's Shezade Mosque
The author places these buildings in their social, historical, and religious context and shows how they were set in complexes of social and educational buildings forming the nuclei of neighbourhoods. He also offers an insight into Ottoman life and the patronage of the sultans and viziers as well as powerful women of the court. Short features are included on the history and principles of Islam, calligraphy, and ceramic tiles. With 115 full colour illustrations and a lively, informative text, Mosques of Istanbul is indispensable both to the visitor and to those wishing to understand Ottoman architecture.The buildings are explained and analyzed with the help of fine photography and clear architectural drawings.
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| Route planning map of Istanbul |
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| Detailed map of itinerary 2 including the Suleymaniye Mosque |
The book concludes with maps and itineraries in Istanbul, Bursa and Edirne that lead visitors through carefully planned sequences of mosques by easy and convenient routes. The main map of Istanbul color codes the mosques by historic period. For the convenience of travelers it also includes other historic sites. It is supplemented by detailed maps for thematically organized itineraries. To help readers to understand the complexities of Ottoman history, a chronological table is conveniently placed on the front and back end papers. It is arranged in four columns with the sultans, the mosques, historical events and world architecture juxtaposed for easy reference. There is also a glossary of English architectural terms and one of Arabic and Turkish terms.
Chronological table
"This is a book that will reach a wide audience interested in Islamic architecture and culture in general and those curious about the architectural heritage of Turkey in particular. It will be read by scholars and adventurous travellers, filling a gap in the body of work available on the subject"
Rafi Samizay The Art Book November 2010
‘Mosques in Istanbul ,’ an illuminating new guide book for Istanbul
Matthews has a distinguished career as an architectural historian. He has published books and articles on various aspects of architectural history. Perhaps most importantly, as the short biography of the author in the inside of the front cover points out: “His greatest interest is in making the history of architecture accessible to students and general readers. He hopes with this book to bring an understanding of Ottoman architecture to a wider public.As part of that hope, Matthews has included a section on the rise of Islam and explains in separate articles various aspects of the mosque, from visitor etiquette to the background behind the beautiful İznik tiles that decorate some of the mosques. Inside the front and back covers is a chronological table so that one cannot lose their way in terms of the time frame.
Niki Gamm, Hürriyet Daily News Istanbul, January 30, 2011
Mosques of Istanbul is obtainable from bookstores and on the internet. Please request it at your local library and at university libraries. ISBN Number 9 781857 59075
For information on lectures by Henry Matthews, see http://www.henrymatthewslectures.wordpress.com/
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