The calligraphic tiles of Mehmet Agha Mosque

This study examines the calligraphic tile panels of Mehmed Ağa Mosque, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, from historical, technical, and artistic perspectives. A total of 22 panels have been identified, with 18 dated to the 16th century and classified as original İznik tiles. The remaining four include one from the 18th-century Tekfur Sarayı production and three from early 21st-century Kütahya workshops. All panels have been catalogued by their textual content, dimensions, technical features, and locations. Stylistic comparisons across periods reveal that all panels utilize the celî sülüs script; the original İznik panels exhibit balanced compositions and high calligraphic quality, while the later ones show proportional inconsistencies and textual omissions. Several panels are compared to those in Süleymaniye and Selimiye Mosques, confirming adherence to classical Ottoman calligraphic aesthetics. The study also evaluates the artistic implications of restorations, including a panel stolen in 2009 and repatriated in 2019. Through systematic documentation and stylistic analysis, this thesis aims to contribute to the preservation and scholarly understanding of Ottoman-era calligraphic tile heritage.