Sinan

The first truly accessible book about the legacy of Islam's greatest architect Will have great appeal to all those interested in Ottoman architecture Puts Sinan's buildings and achievements into their political and historical contexts In this concise and readable overview, J. M. Rogers considers the life, architecture and influence of the greatest of all Ottoman architects. Sinan (1489-1588) is the only architect of the Islamic world outside Turkey whose name regularly appears beside the great architects of the European Renaissance and their successors. Since Ottoman buildings were intended to bear witness both to the glory of God and the beneficence of the Sultan, the office of Court Architect - of which Sinan was the most famous holder - was a central one in the Ottoman Empire, and arguably the most significant architectural office of any Muslim culture, before or since. The historical importance of his role, on top of his own superlative genius, makes Sinan a worthy candidate for inclusion in the 'Makers' series. The book includes a wealth of illustrations and photographs of Sinan's buildings, to illuminate the points made in the text.