Analysis of wooden pillar and wooden ceiling mosques of the Seljuk and principalities period

Abstract

Mosques, as structures meticulously designed and constructed, represent the pinnacle of architectural and aesthetic solutions within Islamic civilizations. The desire for proximity to the mihrab in mosque design has necessitated the development of original and rational structural solutions, leading to significant advancements in architectural technology and technique. Mosque architecture, predominantly masonry, reflects both local architectural influences and the availability of materials, often shaped by regional traditions and construction methods specific to certain periods. A notable example of this is the wooden columned and wooden-ceilinged mosques, extensively constructed in Anatolia during the Seljuk and Principalities periods, where all elements, except for the masonry walls, were crafted from wood. This article presents a typological analysis of mosques with flat timber beams, wooden columns, and wooden ceilings, offering a comprehensive examination of their distinctive architectural features. The structural analysis encompasses all aspects from the foundation to the roof, with detailed documentation of their construction techniques. The aim of this study is to contribute to the conservation and restoration efforts of these mosques, a group of which only a few original, high-quality examples remain. Furthermore, this research is of particular significance as it represents one of the first studies to document the ceiling solutions of wooden hypostyle mosques, some of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For the typological studies, both on-site examinations were conducted and data from previous sources were evaluated. The ceiling analysis was carried out using application photographs of a restored mosque, employing a three-dimensional modeling method.