Architectural Features of Ottoman Era Wall Paintings Adorned Minaretless Mosques: The Example of Çankırı

The Westernization Movement in the Ottoman Period caused various changes in the field of arts and crafts. One of these changes was the hand-drawn decorations applied on cloth, wood and plaster. This change in architecture also brings with it the question of whether the architectural features of buildings with hand-drawn decorations are similar. The question of to what extent mosques built in different periods and regions in Anatolia are similar or different from each other in terms of architectural elements and decorative details plays a critical role in understanding the development of Ottoman architecture. The study particularly focused on mosques in Çankırı without minaret and with intensive hand-drawn decorations, and investigated whether these mosques had a common architectural style. The research used methods based on literature review, on-site observation and documentation. First of all, previous studies on Ottoman-era mosque architecture were examined and evaluation criteria were established. Then, in line with the observations made in the field, the plan and architectural features, material and technique, and decorative features of Hacı Muradı Veli Mosque, Karadayı Mosque and Hacı Mustafa Efendi Mosque were determined and evaluated in line with these criteria. As a result, it can be said that although the mosques were built in different periods, they are quite similar in terms of plan and architectural features, but they differ in terms of materials and construction techniques, and it is necessary to avoid making a clear statement about whether they have a common architectural style in terms of decoration.