Close-up of the decorative painting of the platform for the singers.
The design is similar to those used in the borders of 16th century Ottoman ‘Diwans’ (poetry collections) or even as patterns for the silk fabrics of the Imperial kaftans (as exhibited in the Topkapı Sarayı, Istanbul). This is an example of the Islamic passion for relating areas and objects of disparate size and purpose through their decoration.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Islamic Architecture: Ottoman Turkey’ (Godfrey Goodwin) – London 1977