Synopses & Reviews
In this concise and readable overview, J. M. Rogers considers the life, architecture and influence of the "Great Architect Sinan" (1489-1588). Sinan is generally considered the greatest of all Ottoman architects, and is the only Islamic architect outside Turkey whose name regularly appears beside the great architects of the European Renaissance and their successors. The office of Court Architect--of which Sinan was the most famous holder--was a central one in the Ottoman Empire, and arguably the most significant architectural office of any Muslim culture, before or since. The book includes ample illustrations and photographs of Sinan's buildings, to illuminate the points made in the text.
I.B.Tauris in association with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
About the Author
J. M. Rogers is one of the world's foremost experts on Islamic art and architecture, and is Honorary Curator of the Khalili Collection.
Table of Contents
Preface * Transliteration and place names * Note on sources * Ottoman Turkey in the age of Sinan * The Janissaries and the Palace school * Sinan * Waterworks and the Inspectorate of Waterworks * The Court Architects (Hâssa Mi'marlari) and their office * Sinan's status * Hagia Sophia * Sinan's architectural development * Sinan as interior decorator * Bridges, baths, and caravansarays * Sinan as planner-palaces and religious foundations * Sinan's style and his use of architectural decoration * Sinan's legacy * Further Reading * Glossary * The Ottoman Sultans 824/1421-1026/1617 * Chronological list of Sinan's major works * Illustrations * Index