Construction Materials
One of the fundamental contrasts between the Safavid and Ottoman empires regarding mosque construction materials is the appearance of ornamental tiles. Decorative tiles were commonly utilized in the construction of Ottoman mosques, while Safavid mosques depended more heavily on stone, plaster, and wood. During the Ottoman Empire, the usage of tiles was seen as a way to represent the might and affluence of the empire as well as to showcase the empire's reputation. The tiles used in Ottoman mosques were generally vividly colored and beautifully designed, and some mosques included magnificent tilework that extended the whole façade of the structure. The use of tiles in Ottoman mosques also contributed to the general air of wealth that the constructions were designed to portray.
In comparison, Safavid mosques typically relied mainly on stone and wood. Mosques built during the Safavid era frequently had timber beams for the ceiling and stone blocks for the walls. The stone used in these mosques was often of high quality, with beautiful carvings and decorations designed to portray the richness and authority of the empire. Wood was also employed in Safavid mosques, though in a more limited capacity than Ottoman buildings. In Safavid mosques, wooden beams were utilized to construct the ceilings, while carved wooden panels were employed to embellish the walls.
Another important distinction between the two empires regarding mosque construction materials is the prevalence of metals. Metalwork was utilized widely in constructing Ottoman mosques, although it was not commonly employed in Safavid mosques. Throughout the Ottoman Empire, metal was utilized to construct ornate shapes and patterns designed to depict the richness and strength of the empire. Metal was also utilized to build extravagant chandeliers and lanterns, which further added to the sense of grandeur that the mosques were designed to communicate.
Notwithstanding these variations, several parallels exist between the two empires regarding mosque construction materials. One of the most striking parallels is the usage of stucco. During both the Safavid and Ottoman periods, stucco was employed extensively in the construction of mosques. Stucco was utilized to construct intricate designs and patterns on the walls and build decorative panels and other elements. Stucco was also utilized to make magnificent mihrabs, which functioned as a focal point of the mosque and were sometimes ornamented with exquisite motifs.
Generally, the usage of construction materials in the construction of mosques during the Safavid and Ottoman empires was reasonably distinct. Although both empires relied significantly on stone and wood, the Ottoman Empire exploited tiles and metals to create a sense of richness. Moreover, both empires embraced stucco to create elaborate shapes and patterns. Notwithstanding these contrasts, the two empires shared many parallels in the materials utilized to construct mosques.
