Stonemasons' Marks in Anatolian Turkish Architecture: a General Literature Review

Ali Riza Bilgin; Süreyya Eroğlu Bilgin

Makale detayları

Stonemasons' Marks in Anatolian Turkish Architecture: a General Literature Review

Yazarlar:

Ali Riza Bilgin | Süreyya Eroğlu Bilgin

Yayıncı:

Ege University

Ana Başlıklar:

İslam Sanatları | Mimarlık Tarihi

Dergi:

Sanat Tarihi Dergisi Vol.33 Issue 1, pp.171-261

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

8/2024

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001325340

pISSN:

1300-5707

Anahtar kelimeler:

Özet:

 This study investigates the use of stonemasons marks in Anatolian Turkish architecture, spanning the Seljuk, Beyliks, and Ottoman periods. It focuses on marks found on cut stone elements within these structures. The presence of these marks demonstrably declines from the Seljuk and Beyliks eras to the Ottoman period, eventually disappearing altogether. Stonemasons marks, engraved or painted on stones by individual masons or working groups, served various purposes. These marks could be created either at the quarry or the construction site, or potentially at both locations. While the use of stonemasons marks has been extensively documented and analyzed in Northwest European and British architectural traditions, research on their application in Anatolia remains relatively underdeveloped. This disparity can be attributed to the scarcity of written sources and the lack of comprehensive catalogues dedicated to these markings in the region. This paper aims to bridge this gap in scholarship by systematically examining documented stonemasons marks and their potential to illuminate the roles of individual artisans, master builders, and architects within Anatolian Turkish architectural traditions. This paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of stonemasons and their practices within Anatolian Turkish architectural traditions. By analysing documented stonemasons marks, particularly those prevalent during the Seljuk period, the research seeks to shed light on the roles of individual artisans, master craftsmen, and architects. The paper accomplishes this by: Summarizing existing publications on stonemasons marks in Anatolian Turkish architecture, redrafting existing mark illustrations due to potential quality issues in earlier publications and compiling and organizing documented marks into tables. There are tow tables in this paper and the first one details the origin of each mark, including the specific building and its corresponding bibliographic reference. The second table provides redrawn illustrations of the collected marks, along with corresponding catalogue numbers referenced in the first table. This catalogue numbering system employs a spatial coordinate approach similar to chessboard notation, ensuring each mark has a unique identifier. The paper further analyses the collected data, focusing primarily on marks from the Seljuk period particularly those associated with structures built under the reigns of Alaeddin Keykubad I and Gıyâseddin Keyhusrev II during the 13th century. Additionally, it examines the building types with the highest frequency of stonemasons marks caravanserais in this case. By analyzing the compiled data, particularly the prevalence of marks during the Seljuk period, the paper proposes several hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. Firstly, the extensive building projects undertaken by Seljuk rulers may have necessitated a more structured organization of stonemasons, leading to a more consistent use of identification marks. Secondly, the focus on public infrastructure projects like caravanserais during this period could have provided greater opportunities for individual masons to leave their mark on prominent structures. Furthermore, the decline in the use of stonemasons marks during the Ottoman period merits further exploration. This shift could be attributed to changes in stonemasonry practices, the adoption of new building materials, or a potential transformation in the social hierarchy of stonemasons within Ottoman guild structures. Further research that delves into documentary sources and comparative studies with other Islamic architectural traditions could shed light on these reasons.

 This study investigates the use of stonemasons marks in Anatolian Turkish architecture, spanning the Seljuk, Beyliks, and Ottoman periods. It focuses on marks found on cut stone elements within these structures. The presence of these marks demonstrably declines from the Seljuk and Beyliks eras to the Ottoman period, eventually disappearing altogether. Stonemasons marks, engraved or painted on stones by individual masons or working groups, served various purposes. These marks could be created either at the quarry or the construction site, or potentially at both locations. While the use of stonemasons marks has been extensively documented and analyzed in Northwest European and British architectural traditions, research on their application in Anatolia remains relatively underdeveloped. This disparity can be attributed to the scarcity of written sources and the lack of comprehensive catalogues dedicated to these markings in the region. This paper aims to bridge this gap in scholarship by systematically examining documented stonemasons marks and their potential to illuminate the roles of individual artisans, master builders, and architects within Anatolian Turkish architectural traditions. This paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of stonemasons and their practices within Anatolian Turkish architectural traditions. By analysing documented stonemasons marks, particularly those prevalent during the Seljuk period, the research seeks to shed light on the roles of individual artisans, master craftsmen, and architects. The paper accomplishes this by: Summarizing existing publications on stonemasons marks in Anatolian Turkish architecture, redrafting existing mark illustrations due to potential quality issues in earlier publications and compiling and organizing documented marks into tables. There are tow tables in this paper and the first one details the origin of each mark, including the specific building and its corresponding bibliographic reference. The second table provides redrawn illustrations of the collected marks, along with corresponding catalogue numbers referenced in the first table. This catalogue numbering system employs a spatial coordinate approach similar to chessboard notation, ensuring each mark has a unique identifier. The paper further analyses the collected data, focusing primarily on marks from the Seljuk period particularly those associated with structures built under the reigns of Alaeddin Keykubad I and Gıyâseddin Keyhusrev II during the 13th century. Additionally, it examines the building types with the highest frequency of stonemasons marks caravanserais in this case. By analyzing the compiled data, particularly the prevalence of marks during the Seljuk period, the paper proposes several hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. Firstly, the extensive building projects undertaken by Seljuk rulers may have necessitated a more structured organization of stonemasons, leading to a more consistent use of identification marks. Secondly, the focus on public infrastructure projects like caravanserais during this period could have provided greater opportunities for individual masons to leave their mark on prominent structures. Furthermore, the decline in the use of stonemasons marks during the Ottoman period merits further exploration. This shift could be attributed to changes in stonemasonry practices, the adoption of new building materials, or a potential transformation in the social hierarchy of stonemasons within Ottoman guild structures. Further research that delves into documentary sources and comparative studies with other Islamic architectural traditions could shed light on these reasons.

 This study investigates the use of stonemasons marks in Anatolian Turkish architecture, spanning the Seljuk, Beyliks, and Ottoman periods. It focuses on marks found on cut stone elements within these structures. The presence of these marks demonstrably declines from the Seljuk and Beyliks eras to the Ottoman period, eventually disappearing altogether. Stonemasons marks, engraved or painted on stones by individual masons or working groups, served various purposes. These marks could be created either at the quarry or the construction site, or potentially at both locations. While the use of stonemasons marks has been extensively documented and analyzed in Northwest European and British architectural traditions, research on their application in Anatolia remains relatively underdeveloped. This disparity can be attributed to the scarcity of written sources and the lack of comprehensive catalogues dedicated to these markings in the region. This paper aims to bridge this gap in scholarship by systematically examining documented stonemasons marks and their potential to illuminate the roles of individual artisans, master builders, and architects within Anatolian Turkish architectural traditions. This paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of stonemasons and their practices within Anatolian Turkish architectural traditions. By analysing documented stonemasons marks, particularly those prevalent during the Seljuk period, the research seeks to shed light on the roles of individual artisans, master craftsmen, and architects. The paper accomplishes this by: Summarizing existing publications on stonemasons marks in Anatolian Turkish architecture, redrafting existing mark illustrations due to potential quality issues in earlier publications and compiling and organizing documented marks into tables. There are tow tables in this paper and the first one details the origin of each mark, including the specific building and its corresponding bibliographic reference. The second table provides redrawn illustrations of the collected marks, along with corresponding catalogue numbers referenced in the first table. This catalogue numbering system employs a spatial coordinate approach similar to chessboard notation, ensuring each mark has a unique identifier. The paper further analyses the collected data, focusing primarily on marks from the Seljuk period particularly those associated with structures built under the reigns of Alaeddin Keykubad I and Gıyâseddin Keyhusrev II during the 13th century. Additionally, it examines the building types with the highest frequency of stonemasons marks caravanserais in this case. By analyzing the compiled data, particularly the prevalence of marks during the Seljuk period, the paper proposes several hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. Firstly, the extensive building projects undertaken by Seljuk rulers may have necessitated a more structured organization of stonemasons, leading to a more consistent use of identification marks. Secondly, the focus on public infrastructure projects like caravanserais during this period could have provided greater opportunities for individual masons to leave their mark on prominent structures. Furthermore, the decline in the use of stonemasons marks during the Ottoman period merits further exploration. This shift could be attributed to changes in stonemasonry practices, the adoption of new building materials, or a potential transformation in the social hierarchy of stonemasons within Ottoman guild structures. Further research that delves into documentary sources and comparative studies with other Islamic architectural traditions could shed light on these reasons.

 Taşçı işaretleri, bir yapının inşası sırasında -taş ocağında ya da şantiyede- o yapıda kullanılacak taşları kesen kişi veya kişilerce taş üzerine kazınmış veya boyanmış işaretlerdir. Anadolu Selçuklu, Beylikler ve Osmanlı dönemi mimarisinde, kâgir yapı geleneğinin bir parçası olan taşçı işaretleri, kesme taş malzemeyle inşa edilmiş yapıların birçoğunda görülmektedir. Çoğunlukla Anadolu Selçuklu ve Beylikler dönemi mimari eserlerinde rastladığımız, Osmanlı döneminde bir hayli azalan taşçı işaretlerinin kullanımı bir süre sonra terk edilmiştir. Taşçı işaretlerinin kullanım amaçlarına yönelik en ayrıntılı ve kesin bilgiler, bu alanda kuzeybatı Avrupa ve Britanyada yapılmış yayınlardan elde edilmektedir İngilteredeki yapıları konu edinen bazı yayınlarda taşçı işaretinin kullanım amacının açıklığa kavuşturulduğu ve işareti yapan ustanın isminin dahi belirlenebildiği görülmektedir. Bu sonuca ulaşabilmekteki en büyük etken hiç şüphesiz taşçı işaretlerine dair yazılı kaynakların varlığıdır. Anadoluda, özellikle Selçuklu Devleti döneminde yoğun bir biçimde kullanıldığı görülen taşçı işaretlerinin değerlendirilmesi bu dönem mimarisinde rol oynamış sanatçı, bani ve mimarlara dair bilinmezlere ışık tutabilir. Bu husustaki en önemli sorunlardan biri Anadolu Türk mimarisinde görülen taşçı işaretlerine dair katalog ve yazılı belge eksikliğidir. Bu çalışmada Anadolu Türk mimarisindeki taşçı üzerine yapılmış yayınlar ve özetleri bir başlık altında derlenerek, bu yayınlarda yer alan işaretler form benzerlikleri yönünden kendi aralarında sınıflandırılmış ve bir tablo halinde düzenlenmiştir. Bu bağlamda ele alınan taşçı işaretleri, meseleyi geniş bir perspektiften ele alarak istatistikî veriler eşliğinde yeniden değerlendirilmiştir.

Makale detayları

Stonemasons' Marks in Anatolian Turkish Architecture: a General Literature Review

Yazarlar:

Ali Riza Bilgin | Süreyya Eroğlu Bilgin

Yayıncı:

Ege University

Ana Başlıklar:

İslam Sanatları | Mimarlık Tarihi

Dergi:

Sanat Tarihi Dergisi Vol.33 Issue 1, pp.171-261

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

8/2024

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001325340

pISSN:

1300-5707

Stonemasons’ Marks

Anatolian Seljuk Architecture

Ottoman Architecture

Literature of Art History

Anatolian Beyliks ArchitectureTaşçı İşaretleri

Anadolu Selçuklu Mimarisi

Osmanlı Mimarisi

Sanat Tarihi Literatürü

Beylikler Dönemi Mimarisi

Taşçı işaretleri

Sayı

Makale detayları

Yazarlar: Ali Riza Bilgin | Süreyya Eroğlu Bilgin

Yayıncı: Ege University

Ana Başlıklar: İslam Sanatları | Mimarlık Tarihi

Dergi: Sanat Tarihi Dergisi Vol.33 Issue 1, pp.171-261

Belge Tipi: Makale

Yayın Tarihi: 8/2024

Belge Dili: Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.): 2001325340

pISSN: 1300-5707

Sayı

Yazarlar:

Ali Riza Bilgin | Süreyya Eroğlu Bilgin

Yayıncı:

Ege University

Ana Başlıklar:

İslam Sanatları | Mimarlık Tarihi

Dergi:

Sanat Tarihi Dergisi Vol.33 Issue 1, pp.171-261

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

8/2024

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001325340

pISSN:

1300-5707