The central dome, above the ‘şadırvan’ (fountain for ritual ablutions), has a skylight that contributes greatly to the unique atmosphere inside the mosque. Its decoration dates from the restorations after the 1855 Bursa earthquake, that pulled down 18 of the mosque’s twenty domes. It displays a style inspired on the 19th century ‘Turkish Baroque’, which was influenced by European Neo-Classicism (and more specifically here by the French ‘Nouvel Empire’ style).

Note: The term ‘Turkish Baroque’ is a general one; if necessary, more specific terms are used: ‘Barok’ (= Neo-Baroque), ‘Rokoko’ (= Neo-Rococo) or ‘Ampir’ (= ‘Nouvel Empire’).

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Vakıf Abideler ve eski Eserler III’ - Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü, Ankara 1983 .