Abstract:

Erzurum, which is one of the most important provinces of the Ottoman Empire in the Eastern Anatolia region, has maintained its importance throughout history due to its strategic location, from both commercial and military aspects. This region, which has been hosting many states, is also a convergence point for cultural interactions. İspir is among the most important districts connecting Erzurum to the Black Sea in the north. This region, which was annexed to Ottoman territories in year 1514 and became a sanjak in year 1515, draws attention, thanks to its cultural richness. Armutlu Mahallesi Mosque in İspir, which preserves the architectural tradition of the Black Sea region in its region, draws particular attention among the other structures. Holding an important place among the mosques in the region with its architectural design and wooden decorative compositions, this structure distinguishes itself, particularly with its "bağdadi" dome concept. The "bağdadi" dome, which started to be used by Mimar Sinan in the classical period of the Ottoman Empire, was frequently preferred throughout Anatolia, especially during the period of Westernization when it became the capital. This preference has been so prominent in the Black Sea Region that the region's richness in wood and the presence of skilled woodworkers supported this view. Although structures with wooden ceilings, swallowtail, or masonry domes are observed in Erzurum mosques, it can be seen that the "bağdadi" dome structure has not been widely adopted. However, in this mosque located in İspir, this roofing system has been shaped by the influence of the Black Sea region. in addition to the dome structure, the wooden decorations, the pulpit, the sermon podium, and the gallery in the structure are also important in terms of reflecting the cultural interaction between the two regions.

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