Sinan’in Camileri’nde Alan Düzenleyici Bir Örtü Olarak Kubbeler THE DOME AS SPACE-ORDERING COVER IN SINAN’S MOSQUE

The cupola, that symbol of the perfect unity of God, has been a part of Muslim architecture from its earliest origins. It is significant without having unequivocal significance. It transmits an idea of cosmic order, as immutable as planetary motion. The composition of the mass is instead guided by primary figures circumscribed along the lower edge, figures which describe the passage between the sphere and surrounding solids. The spherical vault postulates a unified space which, projected to earth, fixes the positions of the sustaining elements, whether linear or punctiform. It requires symmetrical supports arrayed in geometrical balance around the projection of its zenith. The supports are thus inscribed in regular plane figures: the square, the hexagonal, and the octagonal. The greatness of Sinan is fully demonstrated in the constructive and figurative mastery with which he is able to fix and position the cupola with his underlying solids. Keywords: Sinan, Domes; Shape and geometrical genesis; Shapes and building types