Selçuklu Yapılarını Süsleyen Mitolojik Varlıklar

Abstract

Mythological beings, seen as decorative elements in Seljuk buildings, were used in a unique style. It has been seen that this style, which is a nomadic society, was applied by developing and changing in a wide geography extending from Central Asia to Anatolia before and after Islam. It is understood that this ornamentation tradition, which decreased during the Anatolian Principalities Period, was completely lost in the Ottoman Empire. In this study, mythological beings such as griffin, double-headed eagle, dragon, simurg, siren and sphinx, which are among the ornamental motifs seen in Seljuk buildings, were investigated. It has been seen that these assets are mostly applied to stone, ceramic and tile materials in the buildings. In addition, the origins of these mythological beings seen in Seljuk structures, which cultures they were influenced by and the creation of a new style are also included. In the last section, brief information is given about the meanings of mythological beings, which are frequently seen as ornamental elements in Seljuk art and buildings, their production techniques, and their use in religious and civil structures that have survived to the present day.