The usage of brick on the facades of early Ottoman mosques and masjids

This thesis aims at evaluating the usage of bricks at Early Ottoman mosques and masjids. Totally 34 mosques and masjids which were built in Bursa and Edirne in the course of historical process from the reign of Orhan Gazi (1324-1362) to the end of Murad II period (first 1421-1444, and the last 1446-1451) are included in the catalogue. The physical characteristics and usage method of brick masonry – both for technical and decorative aims – at the examined 34 mosques and masjids have been determined in comparison with those at the contemporary cultures in their vicinity. The inner surfaces of the walls of the buildings in question could not be examined as they are totally dyed. Thus, the facades has been taken into consideration in assessment. Any Standard measure is not available at the bricks used on the facades at Eary Ottoman mosques and masjids. The bricks on the walls are generally in rectangle. Those employed for decoration are cut-bricks. The cut-bricks have been produced in various geometric shape and band. The brick has been utilized with stone in alternating bands at the facades of mosques and masjids. They are placed in horizontal, vertical and inclined.