The Book That Atatürk Had Protected: Mimar Sinan's Buildings

The surveys (measured drawings) of Mimar Sinan's structures, which were drawn by architect Ali Saim Ülgen upon Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's instructions to the Turkish Historical Society in 1937 and are under protection, were turned into a comprehensive book. The book, which meets the reader with the title 'Mimar Sinan Structures', includes detailed information on hundreds of works, Ülgen's drawings and the biographies of both names. Speaking about the book, which aims to protect cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations, Archaeologist Dr. Murat Sav said, "It is very important to perceive the details that it is printed in large sizes. This makes the work special and sheds light on existing structures." Historian Cem Akoğul said, "Mimar Sinan's works show the peak he reached in the classical period of the Ottoman Empire. The book provides important ideas to the reader in terms of establishing the connection between his life and his works."

Published in collaboration with Demirören Publications and the Turkish Historical Society, the work is based mainly on Mimar Sinan's buildings in Istanbul. Printed in limited numbers in Turkish and English, 'Mimar Sinan Buildings' was published in a prestige size and luxury box. Prepared by archaeologist Dr. Murat Sav, the book is presented with a foreword by Doğan Hızlan.

MISSING STRUCTURES WILL BE REBUILT!

Providing information about the preparation process and content of the book 'Mimar Sinan's Structures', which is considered as one of the important sources shedding light on the history of architecture, Archaeologist Dr. Murat Sav said, “This study dates back to 1937. At that time, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk asked the Turkish Historical Society to prepare a very comprehensive book on the structures built by Mimar Sinan. The Turkish Historical Society assigned the master architect Ali Saim Ülgen to make the drawings. As part of this project, all of Ali Saim Ülgen’s drawings related to Mimar Sinan are here. At the same time, the entire list of structures registered in the memorandums written during Mimar Sinan’s period and belonging to him was re-prepared. The missing structures, including their order, were revived in the book by remaining faithful to the past. The book was started to be prepared by also indicating the works for which drawings were made. There is a short biography of Mimar Sinan, some information about his works and some information about Ali Saim Ülgen. Thus, it is possible to say that it is a well-organized study. The fact that it was printed in large sizes is very important in terms of perceiving the details. The fact that this was achieved makes the work special.”

CULTURALLY IMPORTANT HERITAGE

Pointing out that works should be known as cultural heritage, Dr. Sav continued his words as follows:

“The book contains the answers to many questions. It sheds light on existing structures. It contains healthy and solid information. In terms of general culture, people need to internalize some information and know it as a cultural heritage. Mimar Sinan is not just a person and identity that belongs to us. He is a brand known and recognized by the whole world. He is an incredible value for our country. Our people need to know something about this value. It is said that ‘Sinan, the patriarch of the world, has passed away’, indeed, a patriarch of the world has passed away. He used a different stamp and detail in all the works he made. Mimar Sinan also has an incredibly protective aspect. It is possible to see this in many of his works. An incredibly professional work was carried out on the book from its cover to all the details inside and the design process. Therefore, it is an extremely important work in every respect. We would like to thank the Turkish Historical Society, which was the starting point for its preparation, Meltem Demirören, project manager Bedri Göğalp and everyone who contributed.”

Historian Cem Akoğul, who said that the book best reflects the works of Mimar Sinan, said, “Apart from the introductory texts and informative texts added by our professors, the fact that all the surveys drawn by Ali Saim Ülgen are together has turned the book into a catalogue work. A permanent work has emerged with the joint work of Demirören Publications and the Turkish Historical Society. The large size of the book makes it easier for those working on this subject to examine the surveys. With the detailed information provided next to the drawings, it will be in many libraries as a permanent work. Since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gave special importance to Turkish history, it is very valuable that he created these surveys on Mimar Sinan, one of the most important architects in the world, upon instructions from Ağırnas. This shows how much Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was aware of history and how much he cared about Mimar Sinan. Even today, almost 90 years have passed, we can still use those surveys, make contributions and produce new works.”

Source: DHA