Modern and traditional representation in mosque architecture: Analytic comparison of three mosques in Ankara, Turkey

Authors : Serkan MERTYÜREK, Guler Ufuk DEMIRBAS

Pages : 745-773

Doi:10.37246/grid.1215097

View : 79 | Download : 103

Publication Date : 2023-07-17

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article examines three \`modern\` mosques in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Specifically, it researches examples of innovative and authentic mosque architecture, which considerably varies from \`Ottoman-type\` mosques that heavily dominate the inventory of mosques in Turkey. The Republican period after the Ottoman Empire in Turkey witnessed an ongoing discussion and competition between modern and traditional examples of mosque architecture. Although this problem has been considered in different dimensions, it has generally been discussed by classifying the mosques as \`modern\` or \`traditional\` in the academy. It is thought that this classification should be based on the different physical characteristics of mosques, which form the repertoire of tradition in mosque architecture. In this study, the exemplary mosques selected for the inquiry were examined according to 18 different factors that were grouped under six categories considering the physical and interior features of the mosques: namely, mass and facade design, spatial organization, interior forms, architectural program, material selection and ornament details. The research aims to contribute to discussing modern and traditional representation in mosque architecture and clarify ambiguity in understanding and distinguishing between \`tradition,\` \`traditional,\` and \`modern,\` which are essential meanings in mosque architecture.
Keywords : Çağdaş cami mimarisi, Modern ve geleneksel temsil, Osmanlı cami, Mekansal organizasyon