INDIVIDUALITY OF ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS AS A SELJUKID DESIGN PRINCIPLE

Abstract

This paper aims to accentuate an interesting aspect within the Seljukid architecture: Individuality. In different regions, buildings and scales seem to give each architectural element an own identity and hence becoming an artistic principle. Due to the scarce scientific research about the Seljukid period, especially the lack of interdisciplinary analysis, and the Seljuk’s experience of a rapid development in political and cultural sense, it is difficult to clarify the reasons of the mentioned principle. In this essay some examples will be displayed of the mentioned phenomenon and possible explanations of some scholars. The research question of the author is: Is the principle of individuality in architectural elements in Seljukid architecture based on the weltanschuung and philosophy of Sufism?