Examination of the colors, motifs, and compositions of the tiles in Takkeci İbrahim Aga Mosque

It is accepted that Takkeci Ibrahim Aga Mosque was built between 1591-1592. This conclusion is drawn from the inscription on the main gate. The construction date of the mosque has been debated by various architects and art historians. Some argue that the structure, which serves as both a mosque and a tevhidhane, is a work of Mimar Sinan. In the structure planned with a sebil (water dispenser) and a primary school, the first sebil was built in 986. This date shows that Mimar Sinan was alive during the planning and initial construction phases of the building. The mosque was decorated in accordance with Mimar Sinan's tile arrangement program. The decorations in the mosque show unity among the murals, malakari ornaments, and tile motifs. The Takkeci Ibrahim Aga Mosque contains Iznik tiles from the late 16th century. Parts of a panel similar to those on the southeast wall of the mosque have been placed in various locations within the mosque, including the pulpit. Of the mosque's tiles, 83 are missing, and these areas have been painted white. 32 tiles from the vase panel and 4 tiles from the mihrab border are exhibited in the Gulbenkian Museum. It has been determined that an ulama tile on the southwest wall was sold at a Sotheby's auction as a "European-style Iznik tile." Under the gallery covering the prayer hall, there are 321 imitation tiles. Of these tiles, 190 are identified as ulama compositions, 106 as hatayi borders, and 25 as rumi borders, all auctioned tiles. Additionally, there are skirting tiles that are referred to as Kutahya tiles in the sources. Moreover, similar mosque tiles have been observed in museums and auctions around the world. 40 of these tiles bear the name Albert Sorlin Dorigny. Our study, which photographs and documents the current state of the mosque tiles, investigates the traces of the stolen tiles, and evaluates the tiles in terms of color, motif, and composition, is aimed at preserving our traditional arts and cultural heritage.