This is the Muradiye mosque, by the greatest Turkish architect, Sinan. It is one of his last works, from 1582-1585, who built it for Murat III.

On the north flank of the main hall there is a balcony (not the small one to the south-east I showed before), with painting on the underside. This is it.

The design of this ceiling is similar to the marquetry work on 16th century Ottoman wooden doors and window panels. 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