14 - 17

160|
KERIMOVA, Sevil
Creative Activity of Architect Ajam Ali in the Identification of the Term “Turk-Ajami” in
Medieval Italian Written Sources
The article researches the problem of the term “Turk-Ajami” in the context of a creative activity of representative
of the classical Ottoman architecture, Mimarbashi Ajam Ali. Thus explores the complex of the written sources regarding
the Italian archives of the term. The analysis and research issues of the Azerbaijan cultural heritage are on the scope of
interests of those who work in different scientific and public sectors. From this stand, along with monuments represented
within Azerbaijan, the sample art works created by our craftsmen far from their country through history possess significant
place in the research of cultural areal and art tradition. Active work of the Azerbaijani masters in the context of the Ottoman
Turkey in the 16 th century is just right one of those times. The first information about the Azerbaijani architect known as
Ajam Ali, Captive Ali, Aladdin Ali bay Ibn Abdul-karim Tabrizi or Ajam Isa in the literature is dated to 1503 and in 1519
Aladdin Ali bay Ibn Abdul-karim Tabrizi was appointed the first chief architect – Hassa architect-in-chief of the Ottoman
Empire by Sultan Salim; and he leaded all important constructions of the Empire till 1536. Having constituted one dome
construction in the Ottoman architecture, Ajam Ali had addressed to the constructive traditions of Tabriz school in new
trend throughout his creative work. He created interesting monuments during his 22 years of activity in Asian and European
parts of the Ottoman State. The constructions ascribed to him in different sources can be listed as follow: Sultan Salim
Mosque, Istanbul; Gabza Choban Mustafa Mosque, Sarajevo/1523; Chorlu Suleymania Mosque; Bab us Selam, the 2 nd gate
of Topkapi Palace/1523; Gazi Khosrov Pasha Mosque, Sarajevo/1530; Hatuniyya Tomb, Trabzon; Seyraddin Kadi Mosque,
Sofia; Piri Mehmet Pasha Tomb, Sutluja; Charazi Gasim Pasha Mosque, Eyup Mosque. However, controversial claims on
creative heritage of Ajam Ali, attribution of monuments, restoration and conservation problems, as well as the mosque of
architect situated in Istanbul Mevlanakapı (Mevlana-gate) quarter and present condition of his grave are worth to special
scientific and public attention in the context of common Turkish cultural heritage. A new look at the problem of artistic activity
of Azerbaijanis during Ottomans have documents from the Vatican (1000 pages) brought in the country last 4 years.
It also opens up the question of the term Ajami on the identification of Azerbaijanis.