RUMI MOTIFS IN THE TILE INSCRIPTIONS OF EMİNÖNÜ YENİ VALİDE MOSQUE

Abstract

Yeni Valide Mosque is situated in Eminönü, one of the busiest ports of İstanbul and at the head of Galata Bridge. It is of great importance not only in terms of the facilities it incorporates in its structure, bu also tile inscriptions and other decorative elements it has. The tile inscriptions written by Teknecizade İbrahim Efendi in celi sülüs form and transfered on tile at İznik ateliers contain a wide range and genuine repertoire of motifs. The motifs used together with the calligraphy are flower originated forms, rumis, curves and clouds. Among those motifs, the rumis acquired their flower originated form at the XVIIth century. The aim of decorating the empty spaces by small motifs in calligraphy although it is already a decorative element in itself, should be to emphasize the character of the writing. While the various and free use of the rumi form in its floral character gained in XVIIth century is considered in this article, it is also aimed to attract attention to these unnoticed tiny decorative details at the Yeni Valide Mosque