The mihrab (a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims should face when praying). At the last restoration (1983) a plain and functional (but on-artistic) approach was chosen: a prayer niche in ‘cimento’ (cement). The mural decoration is inspired on 16th century ‘kalem işi’ motifs, and on a simplified version of Iznik tiles design.

‘Kalem işi’ (= work of the pen/paintbrush): murals in mosques, inspired on the geometric or stylised ornamentation used by Ottoman calligraphers to illuminate books.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: Website of ‘istanbuldakicamiler.com’ .