Dome

Selimiye complex (1569–75), the masterpiece by the architect Sinan (see Sinan (ii)) for Selim II (reg 1566–74). In addition to the mosque (see fig.), in which Sinan achieved his most elegant expression of domical structure, the complex includes a madrasa and school of tradition in the southern corners of the plaza, a barrel-vaulted market (Turk. arasta) along the entire western side and a school for Koran reading elevated over a wing of the market. The mosque consists of a rectangular forecourt and prayer-hall covered by a huge dome (diam. 31.28 m; h. 43.30 m) resting on eight massive piers that become contreforts above the roof and buttress the drum. Between the piers, four semi-domes on the diagonals integrate the octagonal baldacchino into the rectangular outer shell created by the walls (see Islamic art, fig. 64). The mihrab, minbar and muezzins’ tribune are finely executed in marble. Unusually, the tribune is located above a token fountain in the centre of the prayer-hall and reinforces the centralized plan of the interior. The faience decoration in the mihrab recess and sultan’s balcony exemplify the best of the Iznik tile industry. Sinan designed and supervised construction of the mosque and educational buildings; he may also have designed the market and the attached school, but they were constructed by his successor Davud aǧa under Murad III (reg 1574–95) to provide additional income for the foundation.site plan