Neoplatonism in Orthodox Christianity and Islam and Its Repercussions in Byzantine and Seljuk Architectures

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OrçunSenaSaracoğlu_MAThesis.pdf

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2021-7

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Saracoğlu, Orçun Sena

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Neoplatonism was arguably a significant factor in esoterically nurturing Christianity and Islam. It was influential in forming the worldview, culture, art, and architecture of the two religions. This study aims to trace the repercussions of this influence in Middle Byzantine churches from the 11th and 12th Centuries and Seljuk mosques and madrasahs from the 13th Century in Anatolia. By analyzing the typologies in terms of their spatial configuration and decoration, both in respect to geometry, it questions whether it is possible to suggest Neoplatonism as instrumental for the formation of these architectures. The study not only highlights the common aspects within the typologies but also provides a comparison of the two architectural traditions. To do so, the study first provides a philosophical background regarding Neoplatonism. Based on the Neoplatonic ontology, the study generates v three concepts, “hierarchy, duality and unity.” These ontological concepts are discussed to be transformed into design concepts by means of geometry. Later, case studies selected from each architectural tradition are examined in separate chapters regarding the traces of the three concepts. These examinations are held in relation to the cultural atmosphere and the liturgical characters of the eras, in both the Neoplatonic influence are observable. As a result of these analyses with a multidisciplinary approach, this study claims that Neoplatonic theories were known in Anatolia and influential for the worldview, culture and art of both the Byzantines and the Seljuks. These influences were possibly instrumental for the two architectures, embedded with religion and cosmology.

Subject Keywords

Medieval Architecture, Byzantine Architecture, Anatolian Seljuk Architecture, Architectural Symbolism, Neoplatonism

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https://hdl.handle.net/11511/91246

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Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis

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Citation Formats

O. S. Saracoğlu, “Neoplatonism in Orthodox Christianity and Islam and Its Repercussions in Byzantine and Seljuk Architectures,” M.A. - Master of Arts, Middle East Technical University, 2021.