The Analysis of Gothic Buildings according to Architectural Elements in Nicosia and Famagusta

Abstract

Abstract

In Middle Age between 13^th and 15^th centuries, religious buildings have been constructed by idolizing Gothic architecture. Intention of making the Christian religion to peak, art in Gothic style has become more prevalent. Reaching out to God is an intangible thing that the human race is not capable of. However, with the Gothic architecture, it has been proved by going high with seven floors upwards through the sky. It is pretty obvious that the cathedrals which have been built up; made the architects as well as artists to get in to some kind of competition. Western fronts that are pointing to a path which leads to Jerusalem have made cathedrals this special where various differences can mostly be observed. The common thing about these cathedrals is that all have been built up on a behalf of getting closer to the God by making them more sharp and high.

In this thesis, in Nicosia and Famagusta, there are two cathedrals which have been turned into a mosque during Ottoman’s period. These buildings have been constructed by idolizing the Gothic-styled examples of them in Europe. Masterpieces like St. Sophia (Selimiye Cami) and St. Nicholas (Lala Mustafa Paşa Cami) have passed on to Cyprus from Middle Age as cathedrals in Gothic style. In reality, these work of arts have survived many earthquakes or wars so, Cyprus came until this time by hosting various cultures at different times. How was the original architecture of the mosques and how much they have changed until this time?  If any difference has occurred, where it exactly happened. Those changes have been proved by several photos and data after a research. It is known that when the Gothic style came to the light, Cyprus Island was under administration of Lusignan Kings. St. Sophia and St. Nicholas have been constructed by idolizing the cathedrals in France. Since the Ottoman period, these cathedrals are serving the population as mosques.

Before they have been turned into a mosque, how much they were alike with their examples in Europe? What they had as being a cathedral? What they have lost as architecture after reconstructing into a mosque? As a result of qualitative data and the researches may possibly shed a light to a possible upcoming debate for academic studies.

Key words: Cyprus; Gothic architecture style; St. Sophia Cathedral; St. Nicholas Cathedral; Reims Cathedral; Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral; Chartres Cathedral;