Architectural Features of Wooden Domed Semâhanes in Mevlevihanes, Cultural Heritage Sites of Mevlevism

The central unit of the Mevlevihane, cultural heritage sites of mevlevism is the semâhane with the earliest Mevlevihane in Anatolia dating back to the 14th century. Architectural data concerning Mevlevihane semâhanes are to be found in archival records, including engravings, paintings, and drawings. This study focuses on the fundamental architectural characteristics of semâhanes constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries with semâ meydans covered by wooden domes. Selected examples of wooden domed semâhanes in Anatolia were analyzed. First, the architectural elements shaping the semâhanes (such as the semâ meydan, mesnevi lectern, mutrib, and visitor mahfils) were examined. Then, the study explored two types of wooden domed semâhanes: single-storied and those with a mezzanine floor. The geometric forms of the semâ meydans which influence the design of the semâhane’s roof systems, were assessed. This led to an analysis of the architectural features of wooden domes in semâhanes. The study identified dome types without drums, as well as those with circular and octagonal drums. Besides being constructed using wooden systems, some domes were found to be ornamented with various motifs or calligraphy, either plastered and painted over wooden laths or painted directly on wooden veneer. In conclusion, all the gathered data were evaluated comprehensively. It is hoped that this study, focused on the limited number of wooden domed semâhanes—the heart of the Mevlevihanes—will contribute to the literature on tekke architecture.