Abstract:

Certainly, the most important elements in Anatolian Seljuk structures are the portals. These portals (gates), which attract attention with the density of their decorations and ornaments and monumental dimensions, are the most striking elements of the buildings. Although the portal gates which are the products of a particular tradition are similar to each other in general terms, they considerably differ in details. These differences can be described as regional features. It can be said that, the portals that clearly show the regional characteristics among the Anatolian Seljuk portals are the portals within the province of Kayseri. It was observed that, the Anatolian Seljuk period portals in Kayseri, which are examined in detail; had corner posts and the first borders were left blank in general, in addition, the stones of the low arches above the entrance opening were created with a different understanding instead of the passages. However; It stands out that there are many similar features, such as "the inscriptions are mostly arranged between the recessed arch and the first decoration belt in the upper section, semicircular pillars and bases were used, and the ornaments and the processing of these ornaments can be thought to be products of the same school". In the study, these features were examined in detail on the basis of building, and comparisons were made by referring to a small number of other Anatolian Seljuk period portals with similar features. In addition, it was emphasized that the specified regional features, with the exception of the Kayseri buildings, exactly fit with the portal of the Niğde Melik Gazi Madrasa and the portal of this work may have been built by artists from the same school.

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