An Overview of Muqarnas in Armenian Architecture in the Context of Cultural Interaction

Abstract

Throughout history, cultures have been in more or less cultural interaction with each other. One of the areas where these interactions manifest themselves is architecture, architectural decoration. In this study, the reflections of muqarnas, which is an Islamic architectural decoration method, on Armenian architecture was examined. The muqarnas decoration that have developed since the Seljuk period are also seen in Armenian architecture in the same period. The examples of muqarnas decoration, which developed according to the centuries in Islamic architecture, also differ according to geography and centuries in Armenian architecture. In this chapter, a general evaluation of muqarnas seen in Armenian architecture has been made. References are made to similar examples in Anatolia with brief information about muqarnas buildings. It is thought that rulers and donors play an important role in the choice of decoration with muqarnas.