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Bayezid I Mosque (Turkish: Yıldırım Camii or Yıldırım Bayezid Camii) is a historic mosque in Bursa, Turkey, is a part of a larger complex (Turkish: külliye) on the east side of Bursa, Turkey, the former capital of the Ottoman Turks before they captured Constantinople in 1453. built by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I (Yıldırım Bayezid – Bayezid the Thunderbolt) between 1391–1395. It is situated in Bursa metropolitan district of Yıldırım, also named after the same sultan.It was the first structure where a Bursa Arch^[1] was implemented. It underwent extensive renovation following the 1855 Bursa earthquake.

History

Construction:

The complex of Yıldırım located on a hill to the east of the city of Bursa is one of the earliest and largest of the neighborhood centers (külliye) built by the Ottoman Turks. it was composed of an (eyvān) type of mosque-convent, a (medrese), the (türbe) of its founder, Bayezid I, a (hamam), an (imaret), a (darüşşifa), and a palace. Today only the first four of the original seven buildings are still in existence. The focal building of the complex is the mosque placed at the peak of the hill. The construction of the mosque began in 1390 (A.H. 793). According to Gabriel it was completed by 1395, before the Battle of Nikopolis. Other sources place the date of completion before or after 1395.Severely damaged in the earthquake of 1855, the Mosque of Yıldırım was repaired and its upper structure reconstructed during the second half of the nineteenth century. Although it is an important monument, its architect is not known. Like the Mosque of (Orhan Gazi)^[2], all three (eyvāns) of the Mosque of Yıldırım are domed^[3]. Unlike it, there are four convent rooms placed on either side of the auxiliary (eyvāns). All four of the rooms are covered by flat-topped cross-vaults and are furnished with fireplaces and storage niches. The doors of the two southern rooms open directly onto the central hall. Those of the northern rooms are reached through small passages that also give access to two cells.

Restorations

Following the 1855 bursa earthquake. In 2011, the minarets were reconstructed by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality in accordance with the original.

Present day

It is located within the area declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Architecture

Historical Construction and Repairs

Yildirim Bayezid, nicknamed "Lightning" for the speed of his military campaigns, began construction of his mosque and its dependencies in 1390 or 1391, completing the project in 1395. The mosque has undergone several repairs, notably in 1848 by Halil Aga, the Empire's architect, who re-leaded the domes—a task previously necessary after a 1634 gale. Further repairs followed the 1855 earthquake and continued intermittently through 1948 and beyond, yet the mosque's original form has remained largely unchanged^[4].

Design and Layout

The interior of the mosque, influenced by the design of Yildirim Bayezid's father's mosque, features a small threshold leading to a courtyard under a high dome (22 × 12 meters)^[5]. The mosque itself is raised two steps above the courtyard, flanked by two (eyvāns). The domed prayer hall includes large casements around the heavy (mihrab) and along the east and west walls. Notably, rooms on either side of each (eyvān) project into the prayer hall, with the southern rooms embellished with ornate plaster shelving.

Evolution of Early Ottoman Mosque Architecture in Bursa

Ottoman mosque architecture in Bursa began with simple square chambers topped by large domes. This evolved into more complex designs:

Single-Unit Mosque: Retains the square-and-dome structure.
Multi-Unit Mosque: Expands the basic unit into larger structures, exemplified by the Ulu Cami with its multiple domes^[6].
Iwan Mosque: Incorporates (eyvāns also know as Iwans), vaulted halls open on one side, leading to an "inverted T" plan^[7] characterized by a central hall with auxiliary rooms and a prominent mihrab.
The Ground floor plan of Green Mosque (1419-1421), Bursa, Turkey.

The "Inverted T" Plan and its Influence

The "inverted T" plan features prominently in early Ottoman mosques, including the Green Mosque and the Orhan Gazi Mosque^[2]. This layout consists of a main hall leading to a central prayer hall isolated from adjoining rooms, forming a T-shape^[8]. This design facilitates both religious ceremonies and community gatherings.

Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque: Architectural Analysis

The Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque showcases this "inverted T" plan with a domed central hall flanked by Iwans, each topped with smaller domes. A significant architectural feature is the "Bursa Arch," a flattened archway between the central hall and the southern Iwan, providing structural support for the large domes. The mosque's meticulous use of cut stone demonstrates advancements in Ottoman masonry^[9].

Additional Architectural Elements

The mosque also features an upper floor "Sultan's Lodge" and originally had two minarets, The mosque's extensive use of cut stone sets it apart from earlier structures that often mixed brick and stone.

Significance and Legacy

The Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque is a landmark of early Ottoman architecture, reflecting significant advancements in design and construction techniques. Its portico, featuring five contiguous domes, was intended to be replicated in the Green Mosque, though this was never realized due to Sultan Mehmed I's premature death. This portico symbolizes the rapid evolution in Ottoman mosque architecture, transitioning from simpler designs to more elaborate and symbolically rich structures within just thirty years.

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Decoration

Calligraphy

The Yıldırım Bayezid I Mosque is an exemplar of the rich artistic traditions of the Ottoman Empire, particularly in its use of intricate calligraphy. The mosque's interior features significant calligraphic panels, including a pair of identical circular panels on the eastern and western walls of the main prayer hall. These panels display Surah An-Naba beautifully rendered in thuluth script, arranged in circular patterns within concentric segments. Identical panels are also found in the Green Mosque in Bursa^[9], suggesting a stylistic continuity influenced by 19th-century renovations. These were likely commissioned by Ahmed Vefik Pasha, a notable Ottoman statesman who held positions including Minister of Education and Grand Vizier. The presence of these panels in both mosques underscores their artistic and cultural significance, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the mosques and reflecting the intellectual and religious milieu of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

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Carvings

In addition to calligraphy, the Yıldırım Bayezid I Mosque is renowned for its ornate stone carvings that adorn both its interior and exterior. Key features include the muqarnas above the entrance door and Quranic verses in Arabic calligraphy that frame the windows and embellish the mosque's (façade)^[9]. Inside, the mosque is further beautified by polished green marble columns at the corners. These carvings demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship of Ottoman artisans and contribute to the mosque's overall elegance, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the empire.

Other Buildings of the Complex

The Yıldırım Mosque, established by Yıldırım Bayezid I, is the focal point of a comprehensive religious and charitable complex, or (külliye), which historically included a variety of structures such as a (madrasah), soup kitchen, hospital, school, bathhouse, and tomb. Presently, the mosque, bathhouse, (madrasah), hospital, and tomb remain as testaments to the complex's historical breadth^[5].

Plan of the Bayezid I complex, Bu, and cross-section of its convent-masjid:^[5]
1. Gate
2. Mausoleum
3. Madrasa
4. Site of royal garden palace
5. Convent-masjid
6. Hospice
7. Bathhouse
8. Gate
9. Reconstruction of precinct wall
10. Aqueduct

.

Architectural Details and Remaining Structures

Madrasah: This educational facility within the complex is notable for its interior design, particularly the extensive shelving which varied in form and function. These shelves, often adorned with intricate floral patterns and framed by multifoil arches, held various items such as water pitchers, flasks of attar of roses, candles, lamps, flowers, and even turbans. This type of shelving design is among the earliest and most grand examples in Turkey, influencing residential architecture well into the 19th century. An exemplary wooden version of these shelves, beautifully painted with flower motifs, is preserved in the ethnographic museum in Muradiye Konak opposite the foundation of Murat II^[4]^[10].
Hospital: The hospital was an integral part of the (külliye), providing medical care to the community. It featured high windows and complex interior pathways leading to treatment rooms, designed both for functionality and to ensure privacy for patients. Historical records indicate that the hospital's design was influenced by earlier Ottoman and possibly Seljuk structures^[4], with an emphasis on patient care and accessibility.
Bursa Yildirim Tomb
Bathhouse and Tomb: The bathhouse remains a significant example of Ottoman architectural style, featuring traditional elements such as segmented domes and elaborate tile work. The tomb, constructed in 1406 by (Emir Süleyman), son of Yıldırım Bayezid, is noted for its pioneering portico design which influenced subsequent Ottoman tomb architecture^[4]. The tomb houses the sarcophagi of Yıldırım Bayezid and his son (İsa Çelebi), adorned with intricate stonework and calligraphy, reflecting the artistry of the period.

Spatial Configuration and Accessibility

The entire complex is strategically situated on an elevation in the eastern part of Bursa, offering a commanding view over the surrounding buildings and ensuring visibility and accessibility. The layout includes narrow, winding staircases and passages, features that were particularly functional during periods when the minarets, previously collapsed^[10] (according to Kuran's Book, how ever this was written before the recent restoration in 2011 where the minarets were rebuilt according to the originals in 2011) , were in use. These minarets, believed to be later additions, faced structural challenges as evidenced by their eventual collapse—one in 1949 and the other sometime in the 19th century. The mosque's design does not suggest other plausible locations for the minarets, indicating that the existing terraces might have served alternative purposes, possibly for the call to prayer^[5].

Significance and Legacy

The Yıldırım complex was more than just a religious center; it was a hub for social and medical services^[5], reflecting the communal ethos prevalent during the early Ottoman period. The integration of various facilities within the (külliye) illustrates the holistic approach Ottoman architects employed to cater to both spiritual and temporal needs of the community. This complex stands as a testament to the architectural innovation and social responsibility that characterized the era, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a center for learning, healing, and social care. The preservation of these buildings allows for continued appreciation and study of their historical and architectural significance.

References

Eyice, Semavi (2015-08-18). "İlk Osmanlı Devrinin Dini ve İçtimai bir Müessesi: Zaviyeler ve Zaviyeli Camiler". İstanbul Üniversitesi İktisat Fakültesi Mecmuası (in Turkish). 23 (1–2): 0. ISSN 1304-0235.

Blair, Sheila; Bloom, Jonathan; Bloom, Jonathan M. (1995). The art and architecture of Islam 1250 - 1800. Pelican history of art (Repr. with corrections ed.). New Haven: Yale Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0-300-06465-0.

Kuran, Aptullah. The Mosque in Early Ottoman Architecture. United Kingdom: University of Chicago Press, 1968.ISBN-10 0226462935.

Necipoğlu, Gülru; Arapi, Arben N.; Günay, Reha (2005). The age of Sinan: architectural culture in the Ottoman Empire. Princeton: Princeton University Press. pp. 47-54 110-128. ISBN 978-0-691-12326-4.

Goodwin, Godfrey. A History of Ottoman Architecture. United Kingdom: Johns Hopkins Press, 1971.ISBN:9780801812026, 080181202X

^ "Yıldırım Cami". Bursa Turizm Portalı | GotoBursa (in Turkish). Retrieved 2024-03-20.
^ ^a ^b "Orhan Bey Camii | Bursa Alan Başkanlığı – UNESCO DÜNYA DOĞAL VE KÜLTÜREL MİRAS LİSTESİ". alanbaskanligi.bursa.bel.tr. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
^ Freely, John; Baker, Anthony E. (2010). A history of Ottoman architecture. Southampton ; Boston: WIT Press. ISBN 978-1-84564-506-9. OCLC 662401913.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Goodwin, Godfrey (1997). A history of Ottoman architecture (repr ed.). London: Thames and Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-27429-3.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Necipoğlu, Gülru; Arapi, Arben N.; Günay, Reha (2005). The age of Sinan: architectural culture in the Ottoman Empire. Princeton: Princeton University Press. pp. 47-54 110-128. ISBN 978-0-691-12326-4.
^ القحطاني, محمد (2009). مبادئ العمارة الإسلامية وتحولاتها المعاصرة. مركز دراسات الوحدة العربية.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^ Petersen, Andrew (1999). Dictionary of Islamic architecture (1. publ. in paperback ed.). London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-21332-5.
^ Yetkin, Suut Kemal. Turkish Architecture. Türkiye, Ankara Üniversitesi Basımevi, 1965.
^ ^a ^b ^c عفيف البهنسي., بهنسي، عفيف., ʻAfīf al-Bahnasī., and Afif Bahnassi. 2004. موسوعة التراث المعماري. Al-Ṭabʻah 1. Dimashq: مؤسسة الشرق،.
^ ^a ^b Kuran, Aptullah. The Mosque in Early Ottoman Architecture. United Kingdom: University of Chicago Press, 1968.

[1] "Yıldırım Cami". Bursa Turizm Portalı | GotoBursa (in Turkish). Retrieved 2024-03-20.

[:1-2] "Orhan Bey Camii | Bursa Alan Başkanlığı – UNESCO DÜNYA DOĞAL VE KÜLTÜREL MİRAS LİSTESİ". alanbaskanligi.bursa.bel.tr. Retrieved 2024-04-22.

[3] Freely, John; Baker, Anthony E. (2010). A history of Ottoman architecture. Southampton ; Boston: WIT Press. ISBN 978-1-84564-506-9. OCLC 662401913.

[:3-4] Goodwin, Godfrey (1997). A history of Ottoman architecture (repr ed.). London: Thames and Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-27429-3.

[:0-5] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Necipoğlu, Gülru; Arapi, Arben N.; Günay, Reha (2005). The age of Sinan: architectural culture in the Ottoman Empire. Princeton: Princeton University Press. pp. 47-54 110-128. ISBN 978-0-691-12326-4.

[6] القحطاني, محمد (2009). مبادئ العمارة الإسلامية وتحولاتها المعاصرة. مركز دراسات الوحدة العربية.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)

[7] Petersen, Andrew (1999). Dictionary of Islamic architecture (1. publ. in paperback ed.). London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-21332-5.

[8] Yetkin, Suut Kemal. Turkish Architecture. Türkiye, Ankara Üniversitesi Basımevi, 1965.

[:2-9] عفيف البهنسي., بهنسي، عفيف., ʻAfīf al-Bahnasī., and Afif Bahnassi. 2004. موسوعة التراث المعماري. Al-Ṭabʻah 1. Dimashq: مؤسسة الشرق،.

[:4-10] Kuran, Aptullah. The Mosque in Early Ottoman Architecture. United Kingdom: University of Chicago Press, 1968.

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