Restoration Mistakes in Geometrical Ornamentation in Anatolian Seljuk Architecture

The Seljuks, who established the architectural formations of the Turks in Anatolia, adorned the cities in various regions of the Anatolian geography they ruled with architectural works such as mosques, masjids, madrasahs, hospitals, castles, caravanserais, bridges, baths, tombs, and dervish lodges. These works not only met needs structurally but were also aesthetically embellished with various materials and techniques. The works, reflecting the aesthetic taste of the period in an original style, have been damaged over time, both by human hands and the destructive power of nature. Repairs have been needed from the time of their construction to the present day to preserve these architectural works and pass them on to future generations. Although repairs are generally carried out for the structural protection of the building, it is also observed that the ornamentations, which are an integral part of the structure, are repaired. The restorations of these works have sometimes been carried out in accordance with their original state, and sometimes in a way that makes one long for their former condition.

This study aims to reveal the model errors in the restorations carried out on architectural works within the framework of a specific period and a specific motif group. Unlike other ornamentation motifs, geometric ornamentations, in particular, should be made according to strict rules that do not allow for improvisation or different interpretations. In geometric ornamentations, measurement, proportion, ratio, order, harmony, rhythm, discipline, balance, symmetry, centrality, infinity, abstractness, and mathematical integrity should be provided. When any of these are overlooked, distortions occur in the design. From this perspective, the restoration of geometric ornamentations is a more meticulous job than other ornamentations. Even though we narrowed down the subject to Anatolian Seljuk Architecture and geometric ornamentation, encountering errors in more than a hundred Seljuk works indicates that the necessary sensitivity was not shown in the repairs of these works.

In this study, photographs showing the old conditions of the works we identified, if any, were included, the entirety of the model was revealed, and drawings were provided, along with photographs of their current state and opinions on where and how the errors were made. We hope that our study will create awareness and lead to future restorations being carried out under the control of experts, with appropriate materials and equipment, by skilled individuals. The aim of ornamentation restorations should be to restore them to their former glory with correct materials, rather than merely completing missing parts in any way possible.