International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 2014, 3(3): 179-200 International Journal of Modern Social Sciences ISSN: 2169-9917 Journal homepage: www.ModernScientificPress.com/Journals/IJMSS.aspx Florida, USA Article Architectural Criticism of Suleymaniye Complex in Context of Suleiman and Architect Sinan Mehmet Cercis Erişmiş1, Ahmet Ozan Gezerman2,* 1Yildiz Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Istanbul, Turkey 2Yildiz Technical University, Faculty of Chemical –Metallurgical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.:+90 533 393 42 79 Article history: Received 8 April 2014, Received in revised form 20 May 2014, Accepted 12 June 2014 June 2014, Published 28 July 2014. Abstract: Within this study, Suleymaniye Complex is evaluated from architecture history perspective. The properties of the building is analyzed deeply. It is shown that there are problems with recent usage of the complex. Main research questions are as follows: What is Suleymaniye Complex? How was Suleymaniye used after construction period? How is the building being used recently? What kind of information is available in primary sources? What can be offered for today by means of building usage? Initial hypothesis of the study is that, Suleymaniye is one of the oldest surviving religious building. It is considered as a detailed “waqf”, the idea of construction is a positive example for todays Islamic architecture. Findings are analyzed with pragmatic and genetic historical research method. Firstly the period of Suleiman the Magnificent and Architect Sinan is explained. Secondly general information about the complex is presented. Lastly recent form of the complex is analyzed. Main findings of the research which develops the initial hypothesis is emphasized in the results and discussions part. In order to understand the complex better, diary of Architect Sinan and foundation texts are analyzed thoroughly. The found mistakes are explained in criticism part. Keywords: Suleiman; mosque; Architect Sinan; waqf Copyright © 2014 by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA Int. J. Modern Soc. Sci. 2014, 3(3): 179-200 180 1. Introduction Suleiman I. is a world leader who increased the size of Ottoman Empire lands during his life. In his period, he ordered building activities of lots of architectural works including holy lands and place of religious leaders. Suleiman I. organized royal architect’s foundation and made this organization progress. Head of this organization was army based, royally educated, undeniably and obviously contributor of army. Architect Sinan was assigned and actively involved in management till hundred years old. Architect Sinan was well aware of the scientific debate of his age. In that period of Istanbul, city was heavily affected by moving of Sultan and the comparison of Suleymaniye construction with Hagia Sophia was done by some people. Science, reading books and joining seminars was the activities of that time. It was stated that there were lots of books in the city (Erişmiş, M. C. 2013). 2. Period of Suleiman I. Tenth Sultan of Ottoman State, Suleiman I. (figure 1) was also referred with nicknames such as “Grand Turk, Magnificent, Grand Senior” by Franks. He was not only a ruler who put Ottoman State on the top, a commander, politician and a manager but also a poet writing poems with “Muhibbi” pseudonym (Yüksel, İ. A. 2004; Benton, W. 1768 ). Figure 1. Signature and Portrait of Suleiman I. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tughra_Suleiman.jpg; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EmperorSuleiman.jpg) These three verses belong to him; “Sharia is a palace sturdy Whoever disengages one of its stones Putting his head in return is worthy” (Yılmaz, Ö. F. 2011). Copyright © 2014 by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA Int. J. Modern Soc. Sci. 2014, 3(3): 179-200 181 Suleiman I. was born in Trabzon, October 6th 1494, while his father Selim I. was the governor. His mother was Hafsa Sultan. At the age of fifteen, he was assigned as Kefe governor, three years later when his father became sultan he managed the state partially, then he became the governor of Manisa. Twenty six years old Sultan was ascended the throne after his father’s death in 1520. He was known as “Kanuni” as a result of the thirteen campaigns during his forty six years authority and his renovating legislations on the state’s divisions of management, politics, monetary and economics. In his period well-known politicians and scientists were raised. His campaigns were vital parts of world history of war. The sultan died during campaign Zigetvar, September 6-7th, 1566, in his tent set on war area (Yüksel, İ. A. 2004). His respect to scholars especially to Sheikh Baba Haydar who was one of the caliphs of Ubeydullah Ahrar, was on the top level. Around twenty million square meters of land (figure 2) was managed by him. Figure 2. Map Showing Enlargement of Ottoman State and the Lands Conquered by Kanuni (http://en.wikipedia.org, The Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, 1923 - Courtesy of The General Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin) Suleiman I. won every single battle he began and raised the mood of his soldiers personally. Kanuni’s reign had passed on the back of horse from one campaign to another. He showed great effort for his state, nation and even poor and oppressed people of the World. People, communities and states suffering from persecution were protected in the shadow of Kanuni, and helped by his forces. His Copyright © 2014 by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA Int. J. Modern Soc. Sci. 2014, 3(3): 179-200 182 period is a time when no European force could even sound a weak opposing voice and persecute humanity. On the time of his authority an anti-Sunni rebellion took place and suppressed, responsible people were hung in “At Meydanı” (Ocak, A. Y. 1990). Suleiman I.’s Estragon campaign cost was sixty millions and income was twenty millions (İpçioğlu, M. 1990). One letter of Suleiman I. was enough for the World to come to heel. He rescued French Emperor who was captured by German Emperor, with a single letter. All the Muslims from Africa to India were protected and kept safe against imperial forces attacks (Yılmaz, Ö. F. 2011). King of France and his mother wrote a letter and demanded Kanuni’s help. King of Spain Şarlken was assigned also the king of Germany in 1519 and became the owner of greatest empire in Europe. Şarlken’s empire included Spain, its colonies and Austria-Hungarian lands. He was not regarded as an emperor officially by Ottoman Empire and this state declared war on France. Two armies fought in Pavia Italy, France forces were beaten and King of France Fransuva I. was captured by Şarlken on February 24th 1525. Fransuva’s mother wrote a letter to Suleiman I. and pleaded for the release of his son (Yılmaz, Ö. F. 2012). Ibn-i Kemal mentions this event in his book Tevarih-i Al-i Osman. These letters convey Ottoman power and authority. In Kanuni’s letter dated January 1526, religious themes was mentioned first, then Sultan and king of France is defined as follows: “I am the one who is Sultan of Sultans, Burhan of Hakans, grants crowns to the monarchs on earth, shadow of Allah on earth, Son of Sultan Baized Khan, Son of Sultan Selim Khan Sultan Suleiman Shah Khan, Sultan and Padishah of Mediterranean, Black Sea, Rumeli, Anatolia, Karaman, Rum, City of Zülkadriyye, Diyarbakir, Land of Kurds, Azerbaijan, Persia, Damascus, Aleppo, Egypt, Mecca, Medine, Jerusalem, whole Arabic land, Yemen and all other more countries which were conquered by my fathers, grandfathers with their overwhelming power and also by my fire throwing victory writing sword. And you are the one who is the king of city of France, Francesco” (Yılmaz, Ö. F. 2012). There is no valid reference that shows the Sultan was overcame by basic pleasures and entertainment of the world in his private life. He was not a seeker man of the blessings of the world, contrarily he was a world leader who spent all of his capital for the sake of his religion and state. During the last days of his life, at the age of seventy two, by travelling hundreds of miles, against mud and rain, being too weak to ride on the horse, he set a campaign against Hungary to conquer castle of Zigetvar and died there (Yılmaz, Ö. F. 2011). Most powerful army and navy, best organized state, richest lands, most proper economy was owned by him, However he left these dozens of times and entered the war where he risked to be attacked by a sword stroke or be hit by an arrow. Rather than being busy with eating and drinking activities by the sea in Sarayburnu Istanbul where may be considered as the best place in the World, he died abroad many kilometers away from his country. He Copyright © 2014 by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA Int. J. Modern Soc. Sci. 2014, 3(3): 179-200 183 had lived for seventy years, ten months and four days; been Sultan for forty five years, eleven months and seven days. Ten years, three months and five days of his life was spent in campaigns (Yılmaz, Ö. F. 2011). Suleiman I. died during Zigetvar campaign, 1566, his inner organs were removed and he was mummified. Eighty two days after this process, his body was brought to the Qible side of the mosque which is known by his name and he was buried there (figure 3). When he died his tomb was not built yet, construction of the building was finished under control of Architect Sinan in 1568.