imagine the majesty of the 16th century ottoman selimiye mosque transported into a foreign landscape… the majestic structure dominating the ottoman capital of edirne and built by the master of symmetry, architect mimar sinan for sultan selim II. the grandness of the design with four 80m high minarets cornering a central dome instead of a flock of little ones, proclaimed the ottoman power and cultural influence. the simplified design expressed the unity of the people and the religion in a such a visually arresting way that even four centuries later it’s beauty is so inspiring that a replica of it was built in the remoteness of southern africa.
the nizamiye mosque in midrand near johannesburg takes full advantage of the topographical rise on which it is situated. its presence in the landscape and as the southern hemisphere’s largest mosque is elegant and grandiose. it was built as an 80% replica of the selimiye, with 55m high minarets, but even as a copy, it is such a fine testament to sinan’s enduring love of symmetry that i still experience a misplaced thrill every time i pass it…
