Abstract
Throughout history, cultures have been in more or less cultural interaction with each other. One of the areas where these interactions manifest themselves is architecture, architectural decoration. In this study, the reflections of muqarnas, which is an Islamic architectural decoration method, on Armenian architecture was examined. The muqarnas decoration that have developed since the Seljuk period are also seen in Armenian architecture in the same period. The examples of muqarnas decoration, which developed according to the centuries in Islamic architecture, also differ according to geography and centuries in Armenian architecture. In this chapter, a general evaluation of muqarnas seen in Armenian architecture has been made. References are made to similar examples in Anatolia with brief information about muqarnas buildings. It is thought that rulers and donors play an important role in the choice of decoration with muqarnas.
TopHistorical Background
The Armenian Plateau, in times of peace became a center for international commerce, but precisely because of its resources and strategic location, it also served as a battleground for military competition between major powers, such as the Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Sejuk, Ottoman, and Soviet empires (Payaslian, 2007, p. vi). Arab domination in Armenia began first under the Umayyad caliphate from about 650 to 750, followed by the Abbasids from 750 to 888. After four centuries since the collapse of the Arshakuni monarchy, the Armenian kingdom reemerged, and the Bagratuni kingdom survived for the next two centuries (Payaslian, 2007, p. 47). The emigration of the Artsruni dynasty from Vaspurakan to Byzantium had begun as early as the 980s. The Bagratuni kingdom at Lori failed to maintain a strong military presence to fend off Byzantine and Seljuk invasions. The kingdom of Lori collapsed in about 1100 and the kingdom Siunik in 1166 (Payaslian, 2007, pp.73-75).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Muqarnas: Is a three-dimensional architectural ornament style, stalactite-like.
Squinch (Tromp): Is an architectural which room/ three-dimensional hollow across the interior angle between two walls to provide a transition from a square to a polygonal drum or dome.
Kavsara: Is a concave upper part of the units built inside the wall such as the portal, mihrab and niche, resembling a half dome. In Islamic architecture, muqarnas decorations are usually located on the kavsara.
Hazarashen (Kirlangic Örtü): Built with frames (stone or wooden), which were parallel to the walls or had from four to twelve corners.
Yerdik (Tüteklik): Is the name of the hole top of the hazarashen (kirlangic örtü) to provide air and light to the room.
Jamatun (Gavit): Are the narthex-like structures in Armenian sacred buildings. Jamatuns usually were added to the old church buildings later. The main function of the Armenian zhamatun was funerary ( Kazaryan, 2014 , p. 8). They usually have a plan with four columns and a dome in the middle.