Abstract
SUMMARY The structural use of materials in the Ottoman architecture shows a regional and chronological distinction which the earlier periods are deprived. The stone masonry tradition of the Seljuk and `PrincipalitiesT (Beylikler) Period has been re-oriented with the alternating stone-brick masonry, that is found especially at the first centers of the Early Ottoman Period. Because of its characteristics representing the change in the structural use of material, Bursa is determined as the subject of this research concerning the examination of masonry of the Early Ottoman architecture. 14th. century structures form the study material. 53 of the 103 structures that are mentioned in written sources have been examined in-situ and these of which the original masonry still survive ( 15 mosques, 4 small mosque (mescit), 4 tombs, 4 baths, 3 medresses,l hospital and 1 commercial building ) are more closely examined for their structural textures. The features of the catalogued masonry and the results of comparison with their parallels have revealed the following information: Basing on the applications of the 14th. century structures in Bursa, the early Ottoman masonry consists of `stone- brick` and `alternating stone-brick` techniques. On the other hand, the use of rough stones and the cut stones are vey limited. Bricks are used for the certain parts of the structures such as the pillars and minarets. The alternating stone-brick technique is the characteristic masonry form of this period. The close source of this technique is found in the late Byzantine architecture which is represented with many examples in Istanbul. In the meantime, this technique shows a development and forms an individual system. The easily supplied stone is used as row or semi-worked material in the early structures, whereas the masonry becomes more precise and nicely cut in the second half of the century. In spite of the fact, that `bricks` resemble the Byzantine examples in dimentionB* they show a greater variation in form. The brick measurements of 30 structures have revealed 12 different edge lengths and 15 different complete brick dimensions. It is also determined that these bricks have been used to put the poor quality stone material to use in structures. 2i7
