18 Facts About Seljuk architecture

1.

The Great Seljuk Empire contributed significantly to the architecture of Iran and surrounding regions, introducing innovations such as the symmetrical four-iwan layout and the first widespread creation of state-sponsored madrasas.

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2.

Anatolian Seljuk architecture was more eclectic and was influenced by multiple traditions including Armenian, Byzantine Iranian, and Syrian architecture.

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3.

Seljuk architecture Turks created the Great Seljuk architecture Empire in the 11th century, conquering all of Iran and other extensive territories from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf.

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4.

The period of the 11th to 13th centuries is considered a "classical era" of Central Asian Seljuk architecture, marked by a high quality of construction and decoration.

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5.

Anatolian Seljuk architecture authority declined after their defeat at the hands of the Mongols in the Battle of Kose Dag in 1243.

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6.

The most important religious monument from the Great Seljuk architecture period is the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, which was expanded and modified by various Seljuk architecture patrons in the late 11th century and early 12th century.

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7.

Traditional sign of the Seljuks used in their architecture was an eight-pointed star that held a philosophic significance, being regarded as the symbol of existence and eternal evolution.

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8.

Anatolian Seljuk architecture is concentrated in major cities of the period such as Konya, Kayseri, Sivas, Nigde, and Erzurum, but Seljuk works can be found in almost any major Anatolian town in Central and Eastern Anatolia.

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9.

Seljuk architecture was influenced by Armenian architecture due to the employ of Muslim architects originating from historical Armenia and of Armenian architects and masons.

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10.

In general, Seljuk architecture combined forms and techniques from Byzantine, Armenian, and Georgian architecture with those of Iran, Syria, Iraq and Central Asia.

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11.

Decoration in Anatolian Seljuk architecture was concentrated on certain elements like entrance portals, windows, and the mihrabs of mosques.

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12.

Anatolian Seljuk mosque architecture was a combination of Turkish-Islamic culture and Anatolian traditions.

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13.

The minarets of Seljuk architecture mosques were built of stone or brick, usually resting on a stone base, and typically had a cylindrical or polygonal shaft that is less slender than later Ottoman minarets.

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14.

Later on, under the Beyliks, mosque Seljuk architecture was more diverse, with examples like the Saruhanid congregational mosque in Manisa, the Isa Bey Mosque in Selcuk, and the Ilyas Bey Mosque in Miletus .

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15.

Some most impressive Seljuk architecture monuments were caravanserais built along many trade routes between cities.

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16.

The majority of Seljuk architecture caravanserais were built between 1220 and 1250, which was the height of the Seljuk architecture empire.

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17.

Seljuk architecture caravanserais had a plain curtain wall with little decoration.

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18.

The Seljuk architecture dragons had vicious heads with open mouths, and a twisted, knotted, or snake-like body and tail.

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