Metric-Based Comparative Analysis of Seljuk and Byzantine Architectural Practices in Medieval Anatolia

Abstract

The architectural landscape of medieval Anatolia represents a complex synthesis of Byzantine and Seljuk traditions, characterized by significant advancements in construction techniques and decorative methodologies. This study investigates the interplay between these two architectural traditions, analysing key elements such as stonework, tilework, and ornamental patterns. The Seljuks are renowned for their emphasis on intricate geometric motifs, calligraphy, and the innovative application of muqarnas, while Byzantine architecture is distinguished by its monumental scale, intricate masonry, and the extensive use of religious iconography, particularly mosaics. Despite their differing cultural and artistic ideologies, both traditions contributed profoundly to the evolution of Anatolian architecture.Through the comparative analysis of emblematic structures, including the Great Mosque of Divriği, the Green Mosque in Bursa, and the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, this research highlights mechanisms through which cultural exchange. Seljuk architects adopted and adapted Byzantine structural innovations, integrating them into Islamic artistic frameworks to develop a hybrid architectural style. Conversely, Byzantine structures, particularly in the post-Byzantine period, reflect Seljuk influences in their decorative schemes, including geometric patterns and muqarnas.Employing a methodical comparative framework, the study evaluates the aesthetic and structural principles underpinning these traditions, revealing the sociopolitical and cultural dynamics that shaped their innovations. This synthesis of Byzantine structural ingenuity and Seljuk ornamental creativity produced a distinctive architectural identity in Anatolia that profoundly influenced the subsequent development of Ottoman architecture and Islamic design throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. These findings underscore the region’s role as a crossroads of artistic and technological exchange.