Examination of plastic values in dome development and its interior decoration in Ottoman architecture

The topic of this research is the historical development and the inside decoration programs of the dome. Especially the structure and the decoration of the domes, seen in the Ottoman architecture, are examined and the relationship with plastic arts is compared. The Dome is an important building element which is used in the upper cover of the structures and adds both technical and decorative value. It has been an important element chosen by different civilizations throughout history. This semi-circular element, which facilitates the construction of larger and monumental structures thanks to its functional nature, has brought spaciousness and aesthetic value to the space. Factors such as the material, the decoration and the shape of the domes seen in the constructed structures, played a decisive role in determining the identity of the civilizations. Along with the development of the dome, auxiliary elements called dome transitional elements have also developed. In this way, the solutions to the problems that arise contributed to the development of the architect while at the same time the interaction between the civilizations increased. During the process of structural development of the dome, the concepts of art and culture of civilizations are reflected in the domes. In our research, decorative techniques and motifs applied on the domes were examined and illustrated. The motifs and compositions applied in the decoration were divided by period and illustrated on the structures. The sample area of our research was created by Ottoman architecture. The dome has been used for centuries, but its golden age was in the Ottoman Empire time. During the period between the foundation of the Ottoman Empire and its collapse, the use areas of the dome together with the architect developed. The Ottoman architecture was classified in three main groups: early, classic and late period architecture groups. In the structures of the Mosque, school, Turkish bath, inn and shrine, the usage patterns, structures and decoration programs of the antagonistic domes have been examined in detail by making examplaries. Certain structures like Istanbul, Edirne, Bursa and İznik, chosen from the illusions of Ottoman architecture and the first experiments, have been studied.