Abstract:

The acoustics of the Suleymaniye Camii, located in the center of the greatest cult of the Ottoman history, has become the focus of interest of many researchers and is still an important research topic that keeps its current. In this study, Suleymaniye Camii’s architectural elements and interior finish materials and the changes it takes with repairs over time are assessed the effects on the acoustics of the space. After the last period of repairs (2007-2011) acoustic tests were carried out in the field in 2013; the obtained data was compared with acoustic data that reflected the effects of repairs in 1969 and 1980. The suitability of the acoustic conditions in full capacity use of the mosque has been studied by acoustic comparison analyses. In all measurements, "long sound times" were identified at a level that would disrupt the understandability of speech; these times were shown to be much higher at low frequencies. The full state of the mosque has relatively lower climbing times compared to the empty. Although the interventions under the 2007-2011 repairs have had a positive impact on the acoustic environment, in medium frequencies, the values in all frequencies are still above acceptable levels. Camide found that the second factor that distorted the understandability of the speech was the "high background sound levels" derived from mechanical noise. When the acoustic data and the architectural and material characteristics affecting the original acoustic environment of the mosque were evaluated together, the importance of comprehensive research on the repair materials and applications compatible with the original/historic slopes of the structure was noted to be able to obtain the original acoustic properties of the structure.

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