Dictionary of Islamic Architecture   Sinan (Koca Sinan; 1491-1588) (Mimar Sinan) Famous Ottoman architect responsible for transforming Ottoman architecture from a traditional discipline into a conscious art form. Definition Sinan was born a Christian in the Karaman region of south-east Anatolia and at the age of 21 was recruited into the Janissaries (special Ottoman force selected from subject Christian populations). As part of his training Sinan worked as a carpenter and engineer on building sites in Istanbul. As a soldier Sinan fought for the emperor in Rhodes, Belgrade, Baghdad and Moldavia, rising rapidly to the position of Commander of the Royal Guard. During this period Sinan may have worked as a military engineer ... [more] See also Ottomans; Selimiye; Suleymaniye Further Reading Ahmet Refik, Mimar Sinan, Istanbul 1931. A. Gabriel, 'Le maître-architecte Sinan', in La Turquie Kemaliste 16, Ankara 1936. G. Goodwin, A History of Ottoman Architecture, London 1971. ������Sinan, London 1992. A. Guler, J. Freely and A. R. Burrelli, Sinan: Architect of Suleyman the Magnificent and the Ottoman Golden Age, London 1992. A. Kuran, M. Niksarli and A. Guler, Sinan: The Grand Old Master of Ottoman Architecture, Istanbul 1987. A. Petruccioli (ed.), M¾mar Sinan: The' Urban Vision (Journal of the Islamic Environmental Design Research Centre), Rome 1988. A. Stratton, Sinan, London 1972. Related ArchNet Materials   Name Sinan Images IAA2812 Covered portico around mosque courtyard IAA2814 Interior view of mosque, side arcade IAA2815 View of prayer hall from mosque... ISY0021 View from southwest Search Alphabetically A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Legal Notes Contact ArchNet