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GATES OF PARADISE
Portal Compositions
The belief that mosque doors were “gates to paradise” was one widely held among Muslims. “Cenh”, the root of the word “cennet” (paradise), which occurs in various verses of the Koran, refers to a garden with vines and date palms shading the ground with their thick foliage and branches. In the Koran (LV1, 29, 30, 48) and the hadiths there is mention of trees the like of which are nowhere to be found anywhere in the known world. Based on the Pentateuch, the Islamic paradise is a garden full of joy and beauty.
The Şifahane Portal
The Şifahane Portal remained unfinished. The three-dimensional design and the elements stressing the sculptural character of this design form the section of the monument known to have been the work of Hürremşah. The large console with no support function adorned with muqarnas decoration over the portal formed by combining the two large richly profiled arches following one upon the other and the unfinished palmettes forming an abstract group over the door mouldings with practically linear double columns and general contours are the work of Hürremşah, while the large suspended disks and other decorative elements are the work of other craftsmen. The decorative column dividing the window above the door is an architectural motif commonly found in the art of Central Asia.
The North (Qibla) Portal
The North (Qibla) Portal of the mosque has a symbolic content arising from two different sources: one is the Koranic symbol of paradise and the other the two Trees of Life representing and, at the same time, creating this paradise. The Trees of Life on each side of the entrance niche are formed by three rows of similar elements. Each level consists of three palmettes and a sun disk. Here we find a symbolism based on Trees of Life nowhere to be found in the world and the ascension of the Turkish shaman to the nine heavens. The lotus over the arch is a universal symbol ranging from the idea of resurrection in Ancient Egypt to the divine “emanation” of Hindu mythology. These ornaments weave an abstract wreath around the portal.
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The original North Portal has lost the striking significance of the original design as well as its dynamic effect as a result of ugly additions made at various periods, all exacerbated by the deterioration of the material.
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North Portal.detail
The door of the mosque is surrounded by a wreath, the most exciting and unique element of which is the great palmette composition penetrating the architectural frame like ivy.
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Palmette motifs.The large three dimensional palmettes quite independent of the architectural lines make Divriği unique in Islamic art.
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Tree of life, detail.
This extraordinary beautiful palmette, in the delicacy and beauty of the workmanship and the richness form in the details, is one of the finest examples of Hürremşah’s art.
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This two lobed palmette forming an element of the Tree of Life is close to Hürremşah’s style. The motifs filling these represent an improvised abstract stone carved vegetal world comprising buds, blossoms and leaves.
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