Vliv osmanských předobrazů na současnou architekturu tureckých mešit

Turkey is characterized by an exceptionally rich historical development of mosque architecture. The mosques of the Ottoman period, especially of the 16th and 17th centuries, are usually perceived as the pinnacle of this development. The study focuses on the architecture of Turkish mosques of approximately the last two decades. It aims at answering the following question: To what extent and in what way do the historical models, namely the Ottoman ones, influence the form of contemporary Turkish mosques? At the same time, the study aims to explain the causes of this influence, as well as its interpretation in the broader cultural and political context of contemporary Turkey. Based on the description and analysis of specific buildings, documented by the author during his field research, the study demonstrates that the Ottoman influence is an exceptionally important factor in contemporary Turkish mosque architecture. It manifests itself in the largest and the most significant projects located in prominent places such as the hilltops of major Turkish cities. From a distance, some of them could easily be mistaken for the 16th or 17th century monuments. However, a closer examination reveals multiple differences. They are built with different materials, mainly reinforced concrete combined with bricks. Moreover, they are often equipped with underground floors, including parking lots. This way, they are adapted to the needs of modern society. Such structures can be interpreted as a means of expressing the continuous connection with the Islamic religion, as well as with the Ottoman past, which is reflected in various aspects of the current Turkish political leadership.