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Ottoman vs. Safavid Mosque

Mosques function as the social and religious centres of Islamic communities worldwide. The believers congregate here to worship, learn, and fellowship. Mosques have been built in a wide variety of architectural styles over time, with each design evoking the traditions and beliefs of the community that sponsored its construction. This paper will compare and contrast the mosques built by the Safavids and the Ottomans. Particular attention will be paid to the design, construction, and aesthetics of mosques from these two dynasties.

Safavids

 The Safavid Empire was a prime player in Islamic history in the Middle East (1501–1736). It was invented by the same-named dynasty, who unearthed its lineage to the contemporary country of Iran (Dale, 2009). The Safavids deliberated to construct a powerful empire that could contend with the Ottoman Empire, and they succeeded by heightening their lands as well as protecting their religious principles. A number of magnificent mosques were built during this period by the Safavids to advertise their spread of religion and power.


 The architecture of the Safavid mosques was highly affected by both Persian and Islamic styles. Several of these mosques also featured intricate calligraphy and tilework, as well as enormous domes and four minarets. In addition, the mosques had intricate ornamental segments like floral and geometric designs. The Masjed-e Shah in Isfahan is regarded as the finest example of Safavid mosque design. The concrete dome, four soaring minarets, and beautiful calligraphy and tilework of this mosque have made it prominent.

Ottomans

 One of the most influential Islamic empires in Middle Eastern history was the Ottoman Empire (1299-1922). (Macaulay, 2008). It was founded by the same-named dynasty, whose lineage can be traced back to the territory that is now the Republic of Turkey. The Ottomans intended to create an empire that was formidable enough to challenge the Safavids. They were victorious because they extended their territory and remained true to their religious principles. At this time, the Ottomans built several magnificent mosques to demonstrate their might and spread their religious beliefs.


 The design of Ottoman mosques was heavily influenced by both Byzantine and Islamic architecture. Several of these mosques also featured intricate tilework and calligraphy, as well as massive domes and four minarets. In addition, the mosques had intricate ornamental elements including floral and geometric designs. Probably the most well-known example of Ottoman mosque design is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in Istanbul in 1609. The concrete dome, four slender minarets, and beautiful calligraphy and tilework of this mosque have made it famous.

Similarities & Differences

Design Elements


The mosques of the Safavids and the Ottomans contain some shared design aspects. The conventional four-iwan design is the foundation for both types of mosques. With this layout, a central courtyard is encircled by four wide passageways called iwans that open onto the courtyard. Typical configurations feature domes atop the four iwans flanked by minarets. The walls of the iwans are generally ornately ornamented with elaborate tilework and calligraphy. In addition to the four-iwan pattern, the mosques of both dynasties are marked by the use of muqarnas, or honeycomb-like vaulting, in their domes and ceilings. The Ottoman Empire later embraced muqarnas, a traditional Islamic architectural style that is thought to have originated in Iran. These forms of the mosque also have vast, open courtyards that are flanked by colonnades that provide shade and shelter for attendees.

The fundamental distinction between the mosques of the Safavids and the Ottomans is the use of brilliant colors. Safavid mosques are known for their vivid and vibrant hues, while Ottoman mosques are usually adorned in more muted tones. Both types of mosques' tilework and calligraphy demonstrate this. While Safavid mosques include vividly colored tiles and murals, Ottoman mosques are frequently adorned in more muted earth tones.

https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/top-ten-ottoman-era-mosques-of-istanbul-57831

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.

Overall Aesthetic


 The Safavid Empire's mosques were highly influenced by Persian architecture, with a heavy concentration on symmetrical patterns and ornate embellishments. The mosques of this time also featured lofty minarets, massive domes, and expansive courtyards. The essential parts of the Safavid mosque were the iwan, a vast hall with a three-sided front, and the shabistan, an area with several smaller halls and rooms, frequently with a fountain at the center. The inside of the mosques was ornamented with complex geometric designs, calligraphy, and stucco work. The general style of the Safavid mosque was enormous and luxurious, with a heavy focus on symmetry and adornment.


 Despite their variations, the general aesthetics of both the Safavid and Ottoman mosques had certain parallels. Both empires used elaborate geometric designs and calligraphy to embellish the interiors of their mosques. They both had enormous domes and courtyards, as well as lofty minarets. In addition, the exterior of both mosques included arabesque motifs and the usage of arches and vaults.

Conclusion


 The four-iwan layout and the usage of muqarnas are two design features that may be seen in both Safavid and Ottoman mosques. However, there are some significant distinctions between the two types of the mosque. The most noticeable difference is that Safavid mosques utilize vibrant colors, while Ottoman mosques often use more subdued hues. In addition, Safavid mosques are generally far more beautiful and opulent than Ottoman mosques, which tend to be more muted and plain.

Notwithstanding their differences, the Safavid and Ottoman dynasties' mosques are exquisite examples of Islamic architecture. These two types of mosques have inspired and influenced Islamic architecture for centuries, and people still admire them now.

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Sources

References

 Dale, S. F. (2009). Empires and Emporia: Palace, Mosque, Market, and Tomb in Istanbul, Isfahan, Agra, and Delhi. Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient, 53(1-2), pp. 212–229. https://doi.org/10.1163/002249910X12573963244403


 Macaulay, D. (2008). Mosque. In Google Books. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6LayWOzfMqwC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=The+Ottoman+Empire++Mosques&ots=ROXyB5uLTn&sig=nSxYqGoAT1kKrYz2Vm2Vuwv9xO0


 Namiri, M. E., & Sani, R. M. (2017). Symbolic Meaning of Colours in Safavid and Ottoman Mosques. Journal of Shi’a Islamic Studies, 10(1), 91–123. https://doi.org/10.1353/isl.2017.0003