SELJUK ARCHITECTUREHISTROY OF ARCHITECTURE IVGROUP NO 2 ROLL NO : 19 - 34

INTRODUCTION TO SELJUKS EMPIRE The Seljuks were a subdivision of the Kiniq clan of Oghuz Turks,

originating on the steppe north of the Aral Sea. In 1038, their leader, Tughril Beg, took control of Khurassan and appointed himself as Sultan at Nishapur. The Seljuk and Sunni Muslim mission was to restore orthodoxy to the central Islamic lands. In 1055, Tughril defeated the Shiite Buyids who ruled from Baghdad , and by 1071 he had defeated the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert. Further conquests followed, leaving the Seljuks with an empire that was notonly geographically unwieldy but also culturally extremely diverse Unsurprisingly, the unified Seljuk state started to fragment in the early twelfth century. One of these subdivisions came to be known as the Seljuks of Rum who settled in Anatolia, known in medieval Islamic sources as al-Rum (1077-1307). They were only indirectly affected by the Mongol invasions by way of the refugees from Iran and Iraq who made their way to Anatolia, and they did not disappear until the early fourteenth century when the state fragmented into independent principalities.

ORIGIN OF THE SELJUKS AND THEIR FOUNDATION The Imperial family of the Seljuk Empire, the House of Seljuk, was a

member of the Kinik Oghuz Tribe. The Kinik tribe was living north of the Aral Sea in the 9th century, Under the leadership of Seljuk (originally Selchuk), their leader,

they migrated to Jend, a town located near the border, and became Muslim in the mid-10th century

 Tughrul Begh, grandson of Seljuk, struggled with both powers (Qarakhanids and Gaznavids) but the newly-formed Seljuk state soon fell to the Gaznawids.

RISE OF SELJUKS (1035-1063) FIRST SELJUKS VICTROY : 1. Tughrul (Toghrul), together with the help of his brother Chaghri (Cagri),

migrated to Khorasan with some of the Oghuz tribes and started their struggle against the Gazhawids.

2.  The united Oghuz forces defeated a large Gaznawid army at the Nesa Plains in 1035, which was the first Seljuk victory over the Gaznawids .

FOUNDATION OF SELJUK EMPIRE : 1. Seljuks demanded more lands and their raiding resulted the Battles of

Serahs .2. Tughrul Begh entered Nishapur and declared his independence.3. Later , Battle of Dandanaqan; the battle was won with the hit-and-run

attacks of the Seljuks.4.  The Seljuks withdrew to the desert, the Gaznawids followed them, but

their forces were left without food and water, and the weakened Gaznawids broke in a single charge.

5. This victory marked the foundation of the Seljuk Empire, which was now rapidly expanding towards West.

6. Cagri Begh died in Serahs in 1060. After Cagri Begh's death, the Seljuks continued to expand: Towns like Kazven, Isfahan, Ray (modern Tahran) and Hamadan; and areas like Azerbaijan were brought under the Seljuk rule.

SELJUK RULERS ABBASID CALIPHATE AND TUGHRUL : A new campaign was made

on the Shi'a Buyids, and the Buyid lands (which were consisted of some parts of Iraq, Fars, Ahwaz, Khuzistan and Al-Jazira) were invaded. In 1055, Tughrul Begh entered Baghdad and freed the Abbasid caliph from Buyid pressure. He earned the title "Ruler of the Lands of East and West" from the caliph and became the protector of the Caliphate.

Seljuk/Selchuk (9th century - 1009)Arslan (1009 - 1032)Musa (1032 - 1036)Tughrul (1038/40 - 1063)Alp Arslan (1064 - 1072)Maliq Shah (1072 - 1092)Mahmud I (1092 - 1093)Berqyaruq (1093 - 1104)Mohammed Tapar (1105 - 1118)Mahmud II (1118 - 1131)Sanjar (1131 - 1157)

ALP ARSLAN’s REIGN :

Tughrul Begh didn't have a child, and he was succeeded by Cagri Begh's son Alp Arslan . Began planning a new conquest of Asia Minor .  He returned to his capital and marched on the Oghuz tribes living north of the Aral Sea. Those tribes accepted Alp Arslan's rule and entered the Seljuk protectorate. While he was touring the Eastern provinces, his generals like Afshin, Sunduq, Ahmet Shah, Dilmach, Mehmed, Sav Tegin, Ay Tegin and Gumush Tegin raided the Eastern provinces of the Byzantine Empire. After returning from the East, Alp Arslan marched on the Fatimids of Egypt and captured Aleppo. He returned to Eastern Anatolia because the Byzantines had already sent an army to expel the Turcoman raiders. Alp Arslan didn't enter Anatolia himself and ordered his Turcoman generals to conquer all the Byzantine lands. He also allowed them to create small principalities of their own, but also ordered them to be loyal to him . Turcoman were founded throughout Asia minor (northeastern Anatolia , eastern Anatolia ,southeastern Anatolia , central Anatolia , western Anatolia )

GOLDEN AGE OF SELJUKMALIK SHAH REIGN

After Alp Arslan's assasination in 1072, Maliq Shah became the new Seljuk sultan Under Alp Arslan's successor Malik Shah and his two Persian viziers Nizm-al-Mulk and Tj-al-Mulk, the Seljuq state expanded in various directions, to the former Iranian border of the days before the Arab invasion, so that it soon bordered China in the East and the Byzantines in the West. He moved the capital from Rey to Isfahan. The Iqta military system and the Nizmyyah University at Baghdad were established by Nizm- al-Mulk, and the reign of Malikshah was reckoned the golden age of "Great Seljuq". The Abbasid Caliph titled him "The Sultan of the East and West" in 1087. The Assassins (Hashshashin) of Hassan-i Sabh, however, started to become a force during his era and assassinated many leading figures in his administration; according to many sources these victims included Nizm-al-Mulk.

THE ANATOLIAN SELJUK SULTANATE (1077-1307) ANATOLIA Iznik (Nicaea)  Konya in Central Anatolia central Turkey from Antalya-Alanya shoreline on

the Mediterranean coast to Sinop and the neighboring region on the Black Sea coast.

region of Lake Van Denizli at the gates of the Aegean basin 

BUILDING TYPES IN THE SELJUK EMPIRE Mosques (complex of mosques ) Medreses (buildings for higher education in the

sciences, astronomy or religion) Hospitals (şifahane) which could also be combined

with a medical school Caravansarais (hans) Tomb towers (kumbet) Palaces and pavilions Bridges Military constructions (castles, fortresses, city walls) Civil construction and urban infrastructure Baths Dervish lodges (tekke)

CONTRIBUTION OF SELJUKS TO MUSLIM ARCHITECTURE There are numerous innovative architectural contributions

made during Seljuk’s Dynasty : Introducing the new concept of the four Iwan mosque. Covering the courtyard which was widely used in Anatolia to

cope with climatic circumstances . Expand the use of Madrassa to spread learning in the

Islamic world. Expanding and elaborating the Mausoleum architecture. Introducing carvanserais ( Khans) Advancing the use of conical dome. Promoting the use of muqarnas motifs Introducing the first element of baroque art that spread to

Europe in 16th century.

FEATURES OF SELJUK ARCHITECTURE As Seljuk's came in contact with Persians , Assyrians, Sassanids,

Great Seljuks, the Greek and Roman sphere, Armenians and Byzantines. Although inspired by many design and construction elements, Seljuk architecture developed its own distinct identity .

The distinguishing characteristic of Seljuk architecture is the monumental portal, built of stone, ornately decorated in a wide variety of techniques. These portals extend outward from the facade. The entrance gate is surmounted by a triangular arch filled with elaborate stalactite carving (known as muquarnas). 

 Decoration in stone and faience. The Seljuk design intricate stone carving and colorful glazed ceramic

decoration in a palette of turquoise blue, cobalt blue, black and white. Design elements include calligraphy, polychrome bands of stone,

vegetal and geometric patterns, and human and animal figures The exuberance and color of the stone sculpture and tile work

lightened the severe appearance of the plain stone walls.  An important element used in Seljuk building construction is

the iwan, a large vaulted chamber left open at one end. The iwan provided shelter and allowed contact with the outdoors. Buildings could have 1, 2, 3, or 4 iwans around a central courtyard.

The dome, feature of Seljuk architecture. The dome was supported by squinches or pendentives in a peculiar triangular shape, known as "Turkish triangles". The interior face of the dome was decorated with tiles or glazed bricks.

Tradition of mummifying the dead gave rise to the construction of domed tombs and turbe.

Seljuk buildings are made of rubble or rough stone which was then faced with large blocks of beautifully dressed stone, laid with great accuracy.

 Seljuk architecture is often described as ‘poetry in stone'. The buildings were decorated with relief work, which created a

beautiful interplay of light and shade in the sunlight. Seljuk architecture characterized by its use of brickwork. In the Anatolian Seljuk period, the universe was carved in

stone. The conception of the universal order was most clearly represented in architectural stone decorations.

Several sources of inspiration shaped the style of the Anatolian Seljuk art. A strong influence came from Islamic sufism.

Seljuk-Turkish style Iznik tile seamless pattern design with stylized bird in octagonal composition and  floral decorations, repeating surface pattern

Traditional Seljuk motifs (Kubadabad)

Carving geometrical decorations on the stone wall of Sultan Hani caravansary, Turkey

•From Iran in the Seljuq period, a stone paste object in the shape of a woman•Seljuk Stucco Figure

Developed the specific building form of the tomb tower, known as a "kümbet", or "türbe". Turbes were of 2 types: a cylindrical tower with a low flat dome, sometimes covered on the outside with turquoise tiles; or a circular, polygonal or octagonal body fitted onto a square base by means of Turkish triangles and roofed with a conical turret.

Seljuk architecture .... muqarnas gate of Ağzıkarahan

The Haydar Bey Pavilion built villas or "pleasure pavilions" for resting, entertaining or for hunting parties.

ISFAHAN THE COMPLEX OF MOSQUES

THE GREAT MOSQUE OF ISFAHAN ( A WORLD HERITAGE SITE ) •The most significant work that survives in Iran is the Masjid-i-Jami at Isfahan.•Initially built by early muslims in the first century after hijra (AH).•The Abbasids rebuilt it in 840-41 CE in typical hypostyle plan.•The mosque reached an unprecedented position under the Seljuk's who made Isfahan their capital . Much of the rebuilding of the mosque was undertaken by Nizam-al-Mulk (1029-1092) who was the vizier of the Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah. •This historic place received attention for two main reasons; its special architecture forms and its unique construction materials

View from the southeast including the mihrab

ARIAL VIEW OF MOSQUE

PLANING OF THE GREAT MOSQUE

Introduction The origins of this mosque lie in the 8th century, but it burnt

down and was rebuilt again in the 11th century during the Seljuk dynasty

This simplicity of the earth-colored exterior belies the complexity of its internal decor.

Vaults, sometimes ribbed, offer lighting and ventilation to an otherwise dark space.

Creative arrangement of bricks, intricate motifs in stucco, and sumptuous tile-work (later additions) harmonize the interior while simultaneously delighting the viewer at every turn. 

The Mosque has eight entrances, each of them built in a different period and the oldest of them on its northeastern side now blocked.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES Masjid-i-Jami' is

renowned for three particular features:

The substitution of the hypostyle plan with the four iwan .

 The vaulting system employed in the numerous bays of the mosque. 

 The large application of muqarnas to decorate many surfaces especially domes and squinches.

DOME OF THE MASJID JAMI OF ISFAHAN In the general layout of the Jami Mosque, there exist two domed

chambers along a north-south axis i.e. the Qibla orientation . One is located between the South iwan and the mihrab, and is

known as Gunbad-i-Nizam al-Mulk. In the opposite direction from the South dome, there exists

another dome structure, smaller, yet more elegant than the south dome. This dome, is located on the north side and is known as the North Dome, also known as Gunbad-i-Kharka, or Gunbad-i-Khaki (the earthly dome), and Gunbad-i-Taj-ul-mulk.

The east and west brick dome were added on during the Seljuk Period. They were originally unimpressive brick and tile domes but both we decorated with tiled mosaics and geometric patterns by the safavids .

NORTH DOME OF THE MASJID JAMI OF ISFAHAN

•North dome is introduced as one of the best masonry domed structures ever built.•The North Dome is surrounded by a series of arcades in the south and the east walls. The basic structure of the North Dome is based on a form known as chahar-taq in Persian architecture. •The main geometric patterns were created by bricks that are molded in various forms.•Both structural and non-structural bricks are harmoniously combined.•Brick Construction of the North Dome

PRAYER HALLPrayer hall of Seljuk’s period

MINBAR OF FRIDAY MOSQUE

Wood carved minbar in the 14th Century Room of Sultan Uljaitu of the Jameh/Friday Mosque in Esfahan

MINARET OF FRIDAY MOSQUE

Dome soffits (undersides) are crafted in varied geometric designs and often include an oculus, a circular opening to the sky.

DOME SOFFITS OF FRIDAY MOSQUE

FOUR IWAN MOSQUE WITH COURTYARD The Great Mosque of Isfahan is considered the prototype for

future four-iwan mosques. Linking the four iwans at the center is a large courtyard

open to the air, which provides a tranquil space from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Brick piers and columns support the roofing system and allow prayer halls to extend away from this central courtyard on each side.

FOUR IWAN Sources indicate that Masjid-i-Jami caught fire sometime

during 1120-1121. The fire consumed much of the original mosque except Taj al-Mulk's dome. It was during this time that the hypostyle plan of the mosque was transformed into a four-iwan scheme arranged around a large courtyard. 

These iwans were arranged in axial plan of equal size and facing each other, except for the southern side where the iwan was deliberately enlarged above the others to emphasise the direction of the Qibla and the presence of the mihrab. 

THE QIBLA DIRECTION (Southern Side) The qibla iwan on the southern side of the courtyard

indicates the Qibla direction. It is the only one flanked by two cylindrical minarets and also serves as the entrance to one of two large, domed chambers within the mosque. Similar to its three counter parts .The domed interior was reserved for the use of the ruler and gives access to the main mihrab of the mosque.

SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE MOSQUEThis iwan sports colorful tile decoration and muqarnas or traditional Islamic cusped niches. It’s dome was the largest at its time and was built by Safavid architect Ebrahim B. Esmail.

VAULTING SYSTEM The second remarkable element is the vaulting system

employed in the numerous bays of the mosque. There are about 200 vaults, mostly domes and barrel vault.

The domes were traditionally constructed with bricks supported by long slender intersecting arches composed of one single line of bricks.

MUQARNAS The third element is the

large application of muqarnas to decorate many surfaces especially domes and squinches.

CALLIGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.academia.edu/3528711/Distinctive_features_of_t

he_art_and_architecture_of_the_Seljuks_of_Rum http://www.muslimheritage.com/article/seljuk-face-anatolia-

aspects-social-and-intellectual-history-seljuk-architecture https://farflungistan.com/2012/01/13/the-four-iwans-of-the-j

ameh-mosque-of-esfahan/ http://

www.allempires.com/article/index.php?q=Seljuk_empire http://

archive.bridgesmathart.org/2003/bridges2003-473.pdf Muslim Architecture Under Patronage (1038-1327) Author :

Rabah Saoud