Geometric decomposition and algorithmic model of main gate muqarnas of Ankara Cenabi Ahmet Pasha Mosque

Abstract

Cenabi Ahmet Pasha Mosque (Cenab-ıAhmet Pa¸s a Mosque) is known to be the only work that resembles the style of Architect Sinan in Ankara. In this study, it is aimed to examine the two-dimensional muqarnas scheme of the mosque’s main gate and to determine through algorithmic modeling the combination of muqarnas cells in the third dimension. By the photogrammetry method, the grid and star forms used in the muqarnas plan scheme are revealed. The geometric characteristic of the muqarnas in two dimensions is determined. Cell types of the muqarnas and their geometric configurations are obtained. It is demon- strated that there is a radial grid in the plan of the Cenabi Ahmet Pasha Mosque main gate muqarnas, and that the three-dimensional structure of the muqarnas consisting of six layers includes almond cell, triangle cell, deltoid cell, intermediate triangle cell, intermediate deltoid cell, biped cell and triped cell. Additionally, an algorithmic model based on the creation of cell unit system is proposed for the creation of the muqarnas geometry in 3D.