Question

Mosque of selim II- sinan the great was responsible for some of the masterworks of ottoman architecture. his greatest work, the mosque of selim ii in edirne, turkey was constructed to glorify his patron. it was also intended to surpass the christian hagia sophia. what is your opinion of this strategy?

Answer 1

Ottoman architecture, inspired by Byzantine designs such as the Hagia Sophia, was used by architects like Mimar Sinan to showcase the empire's power and surpass previous architectural feats, exemplifying a historical tradition of using monumental buildings as symbols of dominion and cultural continuity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Mosque of Selim II in Edirne and other Ottoman architectural masterpieces were heavily influenced by the Byzantine styles exemplified by the Hagia Sophia.

Mimar Sinan, an accomplished architect of the Ottoman Empire, aimed to create structures that not only mirrored the grandeur of Byzantine achievements such as the Hagia Sophia but also intended to surpass it in magnificence.

Sinan's work, including the Süleymaniye Mosque, reflects this intention with features that challenged and sought to outshine previous architectural marvels.

The strategy of using architecture to display power and to connect with the legacy of conquered lands has been a common tactic throughout history, as seen when Sultan Mehmed II converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, thereby continuing its use as a sacred space.