KAZIMKARABEKİR ULU MOSQUE MIHRAB TILES

Abstract

Karamanoğulları Principality, which lived in Anatolian lands, produced tile works that will set an example for the history of Turkish tile art.  They demonstrated that they practiced and valued this art form by using tiles to decorate the architectural works in the areas where they lived. We can gain a better understanding of the principality's tile art and the techniques employed by examining the tile works applied to the architectural structures of the era. Among the principality's architectural works, the Kazımkarabekir Grand Mosque's tiles are a significant representation of the era's traits. The research focused on the tiles of the Kazımkarabekir Grand Mosque, particularly the hexagonal tiles in the mihrab border section. These tiles have drawn attention because they do not match the mihrab's tiles in terms of consistency. They were created using various techniques, such as underglaze and luster, and are not present in contemporary architectural designs. The study examines if these tiles are original to the building considering their patterns, mounting method, and hexagon shape, which are different from the mosaic tiles forming the mihrab. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the Kazımkarabekir Grand Mosque's architectural design, the hexagonal tile shape and patterns on their surfaces, the symbolic significance of the patterns, and the methods employed. To gain a deeper understanding of hexagonal tiles, comparable tiles manufactured in various eras were found, compared, and their visuals analyzed.