Geometric ornaments in Anatolian Seljuk religious architecture: The example of Beysehir Esrefoglu Mosque

Geometric ornaments can be seen in different cultures and geographies throughout the human history. Even if in pre-Islamic civilizations simple forms of geometric patterns were used, the appearance of interlocking complex geometric designs dates back to Islamic civilization. Geometric ornaments were systematically used in the period of Karakhanids and subsequently in The Great Seljuk era and then this artistic knowledge spread to Anatolia, finding its own identity. When the Anatolian Seljuk architecture is examined, it can be seen how geometric patterns are used as a key ornament element almost in every work. Esrefoglu Mosque in Beysehir which was built in the 13th century is one of the best examples of the structures that represent Anatolian Seljuk architecture and geometric ornament style. Geometric ornaments presented on the mosque's harim door, mihrab, dome in front of the mihrab, minbar, woodworks and penworks are worth examining in terms of their rich composition, color harmony and the congruity they form. In this regard, the topic of this paper is the examination of geometric ornaments of Beysehir Esrefoglu Mosque. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ornaments of the corresponding mosque and present the artistic value of the mosque by revealing the what of geometric ornaments in the light of Anatolian Seljuk's geometric ornament style. Key Words: The History of Islamic Art, Anatolian Seljuk Style, Geometric Ornaments, Beysehir Esrefoglu Mosque