Analyzing the Metaphor of "The Perfect Human Being" in the Architecture of Suleymaniye

Abstract

The values of the Ottoman Sufi culture can be seen very clearly in the Süleymaniye Complex, which was built in the XVI.^th century, the classical period of this civilization. While Sufi texts describe ‘The Perfect Human Being’, at the same time cosmic creation is described. The stages of cosmic creation can easily be observed in the architecture Classical Ottoman Mosque. It is possible to analyze the concept of ‘The Perfect Human Being’ which is one of the main themes of Sufi literature, in the architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque with its basic characteristics. Its design contains; ancient knowledge and sacred art, a structure that can be observed inside out and outside in, the whole dominating its pieces, the ‘unity’ principle that embraces the contrasting elements, the transition between contrasts, and the combination of simplicity and splendor.