Abstract:

Plaster mihrabs, which are encountered with their examples in the Islamic Art since the 9th century, developed and became widespread in the 11th-12th centuries and continued its existence as an important element of the architectural decoration. Mainly two different techniques, namely “carving” and “moulding”, are applied on the plaster mihrabs from Anatolian Seljuk Period. The mihrab of Hasankeyf Koç Mosque, Van Great Mosque, and Ankara Arslanhane Mosque are known unique examples that have “deep carving” type plaster workmanship. The fact that this art being very common in Islamic Art, and especially in Iran, and not being familiar to Anatolia confirms the thesis that these artefacts are made by nomadic Iranian masters. It draws attention that the examples of the apses that are made during Seljuk Period by moulding technique are accumulated especially in Konya and environs towards the end of the 13th century. It is seen on some apses from this period the plaster is used together with the tile. Making mihrab of plaster becomes common in the Period of Principalities (14th-15th centuries) especially in Marmara, Central and Western Anatolian Regions. The making and decoration techniques of these mihrabs are identical. The decoration on all of them is bas-relief, in accordance with moulding technique. Ankara that houses numerous examples beginning from the end of the 14th century is a remarkable centre for the plaster mihrabs of this period.

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