COURTYARD IN 11. - 12. CENTURY MOSQUES / THE NEWLY DISCOVERED COURTYARD ıN BITLIS ULU MOSQUE
11.- 12. YY. CAMİLERİNDE AVLU / BİTLİS ULU CAMİSİ'NDE YENİ BULUNAN AVLU

Author : Candan ÜLKÜ -- Mustafa YEĞİN
Number of pages : 17-37

Abstract

The province of Bitlis, which is located in Upper Fırat Region of Eastern Anatolia Region, was an important settlement in pre-republic area with a large impact area and developed functions in areas such as transport, industry, education and administration. Bitlis Ulu Mosque is one of the first examples of Turkish architecture and is considered as the pioneering mosque of its type with its symmetrical plan. Bitlis mosques are not large-sized. It was reported that many mosques were used as district prayer rooms due to the fact that the area on which they are constructed did not allow for larger mosques. Only Şerefiye Mosque has a cloister and the portico (area for later comers). In fact, Ulu Mosque has not got a proper courtyard. The area between the ablution place and the mosque was used as the courtyard. Archeological excavations were conducted under the supervision of Ahlat Museum Administration within the scope of renovation works to be carried out by General Directorate for Foundations. Renovation works started in northwest of the courtyard. The portico, the stairs and toilet were demolished. The space located in northwest corner of the mosque that was found to have been burned in a fire, which was not previously known, the traces of courtyard cloisters, entrance unit of the minaret, a pool- fountain was found and a courtyard consisting of the north façade of the building was unraveled. New information obtained from renovation works is of great importance for art history and the history of architecture. Bitlis Ulu Mosque will be considered in the category of the mosques that date back to 11-12.century in terms of courtyard development.

Keywords

Courtyard, Bitlis, Bitlis Great Mosque

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