Abstract:

This study on the synthronon in Early and Middle Byzantine churches aims to elucidate the regional characteristics of the synthronon as a liturgical element. The synthronon, which gained importance with the spread of Christianity and had pioneer examples from the early period, continued its symbolic existence until the end of the Byzantine Empire. The research focuses on the determination of the regional characteristics of the synthronon through the examples found in Anatolian churches in Byzantine architecture and the comparative determination of regional differences. The research evaluates the synthronon examples found in Anatolia in terms of form and function and is the first comprehensive study on Anatolian synthronon typology. Within the scope of the research; the change in the liturgical traditions related to the synthronon from the 3rd century A.D. to the 12th century A.D. from the first religious rules that began to be established in Christianity to the practices of the Late Byzantine Period was tried to be conveyed. The direct or indirect reflections of the changes in traditions on architecture were also taken into consideration and detailed information on the subject was included in the scope of the research. As a result, it has been seen that the synthronon has a structure that is shaped by liturgical traditions in every aspect and changes according to needs.