B41.015 Gok Medresi

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Creator

Denis Baly

Creation Date

1967

Image ID

B41.015

Image Format

35 mm slide

Geographic Reference

Sivas, Turkey

Description

015- A close up of the intricately carved façade of the Gok Medrese in Sivas, Turkey. Foliate as well as abstract geometrical patterns are employed, though more unusual high-relief patterns are also to be seen on the façade. 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. For a general account of the Gok Medresi, see B40.012. -SK