RE: Architect of Ages: Architect Sinan (English/Turkish)
I feel two Poles have been addressed. One is the beauty of architecture, the artistic and structural execution and shaping of an architect's visions. Just as a feeling of reverence and sublimity arises in Christian churches and buildings, so it certainly does in Sinan's Mosques.
The spaces are well suited for contemplation and purification of the spirit, although one could also say that the art is so distracting and one would have to close one's eyes. What kind of spirit rules in the walls? Can the good and bad qualities of the architect and those who set stone upon stone still be felt?
It gives us modern people time and space to marvel and admire. It radiates beauty and aesthetics and genius.
The other pole, which is also clearly visible, is that of power and the presentation of power. One inevitably wonders whether it is necessary to spend so much energy to make God's spark jump? Even a very large ego has immortalized itself in stone and marble and has been very aware that the buildings will survive its own life. How much blood, tears and sweat flowed during the construction of the monuments and how many fates had a less favourable effect.
Architecture was and still is an instrument of power. It always becomes difficult when the worldly interests take precedence over those of the spiritual. The seduction found in luxury is clear provocation. Also for those who find that here too much of the splendour has been dedicated to the good and one has to ask oneself whether the connection to the spiritual is not just as effective on a river, a mountain or the tides. Indeed, many of these gigantic buildings resemble mountains in the landscape.
Thank you for this comprehensive comment. You made the right determinations. Big investments are also being made in today's buildings. However, the spirit and the taste of the ancient works are unique. I consider the modern mosques and apartments built in Turkey nowadays as negative examples.
You are interested in a further conversation? If yes, I would ask you why you think that modern buildings in Turkey are negative examples and how that differs from the former architectural sites?