Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Edirnekapi   (1562?-1565?)
 

This mosque represents the most advanced stage of the single-dome model. Here, a large (2O m) and high (35 m) single dome dominaces the whole structure. The dome is supported by four pilasters rising to Form a sort of bearing tower like system consisting of four arches and four pendentives.

The four pilasters are polygon shaped and protrude on the exterior so as to be almost unnoticeable from che interior, which thus takes on the form of a neatly cut crystal. The light penetrating through che windows reinforces this crystalline effect while rendering the structure less perceptible. The thickness of the arches is attenuated by the walls between them, which are filled with numerous and ornate windows, having lost all bearing function. The bareness of the central area, the covering dome of which takes on the purity of a modern concrete structure, also prevails on the Four Facades, while che general plan has been widened with naves.

         (R. Gunay)