The Genius Architect of a Civilization: Koca Sinan

We can say that Mimar Sinan, who was born in Kayseri Agırnas, received the rank of chief architect from scratch with his fingernails. Because he wanted to be an architect from a very young age and developed himself in this direction. During his campaign with Suleiman the Magnificent, he had a successful bridge built on the Prut River in a short time and earned the praise of the sultan. Later, when it was time to become the chief architect, he created works that would fascinate the world. Sinan, who was also a good soldier, had the opportunity to see Southern Europe as far as Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, the Balkans and Vienna, to examine and observe the architecture there. He has gained great advantages and gains in terms of his profession.

There are 364 known works of Mimar Sinan. Those who examine many of Mimar Sinan's works say that he took all known and necessary precautions against earthquakes by working with the meticulousness of a scientist. One of these measures is the base mortar used on the foundation. Thanks to this material, which is seen to be used only in Sinan's works, earthquake waves are absorbed and neutralized. On the other hand, the location choices of the buildings are also interesting. He compacted the soil with piles to strengthen the ground and built retaining walls. 

Mimar Sinan examined all the works he saw with great evaluation, but he constantly developed and renewed his art without imitating any of them. Columns, walls and other parts in his works are not thicker than the resistance to the load they carry. It draws attention with the fine calculations it makes in all the architectural elements it uses. Mimar Sinan is also an urban planning expert. He also showed great success in the selection of venues and placed his works in the most appropriate way.

He also established a building system called drainage in his buildings. It is envisaged that the drainage system and foundation cages will be durable by being protected from water and moisture. In addition, air ducts were used in the house that provide the cold and hot air balance by throwing out the humidity and humidity. Apart from these, ventilation ducts were used to prevent the water formed in the summer months and the steam caused by heating from entering the foundations of the enclosure and the interior; Steam evacuation and humidity channels are provided in connection with the ventilation channels. The monumental structures, which stand out with the robustness of their carrier elements and foundations and still stand today, are important in terms of engineering as well as architecture. Therefore, in the Ottoman Period himself; He was known by the nicknames "ser ser mimaran-ı cihan" (best architect in the world) and "mühendishan-ı devran" (best engineer of the time).