Preview
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
Keywords
Sivas, Turkey