Fundamental Developments of 16th Century Ottoman Architecture: Innovations in the Art of Architect Sinan

This study aims to reveal and explain the principal innovations in Sinan's art. Although several previous studies have concentrated on Ottoman architecture and especially on Sinan's art, a distinctive research on the innovative contributions of Sinan had not been offered yet. By making use of the definitions of innovation given in the Oslo Manual, and searching the relevant literature, in which developments achieved by Sinan arc claimed, an evaluation of innovative steps taken in 16l century Ottoman architecture by Sinan was articulated. The solutions introduced for the first time to structure, function and plan by Sinan were classified and given with the evidences of innovation. This classification was mainly based on the structural developments, together with their junctional and aesthetic reflections, where other innovations of Sinan were also listed.