Preview
Creation Year
1967
Image ID
AP.015
Alternate Identifier
B41.015
Subcollection
AP: Central Turkey
Abstract
A close up of the intricately carved façade of the Gök Medrese in Sivas, Turkey. - SK.
Description
The façade employs foliate as well as abstract geometrical patterns, though more unusual high-relief patterns are also to be seen. The muqarnas of stalactite vault is flared in typical Anatolian style. Note the absence of empty surface on the entire facade—what has been commonly described as the 'horror vaccui' of Islamic architecture. A concentration of decoration on monumental facades is in turn typical of Seljuk architecture as well. Construction was begun for the vizier Fakhreddin Sahip Ata by the architect Kaluyan al-Qunawi in 1271. This façade is one of the earliest twin-minaret facades in Turkey. The façade consists of stone carvings in high-relief derived in part from Syrian models and in part from local sources. The medrese followed a traditional four-iwan open court related to Syrian and farther eastern types. - SK
Image Notes
Creation date unknown. Photograph processed September 1967. Formerly catalogued as B41.015, AP.014. Notes written on the slide or index: Gök Medresi.
Image Format
35 mm slide
Geographic Reference
Sivas, Turkey
Keywords
Stone, Carving, Muqarnas, Signage, People, Arabic Inscription, Quranic Inscription, Engaged Columns, Columns, Thirteenth Century, Seljuk, Gök Medrese
Image Location
Rights Statement
