Journal of Art History

Abstract

Islamic architecture encompasses a wide range of styles that developed in different geographies and regions over the centuries. The Indian subcontinent (the area covered by today's Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, parts of Afghanistan, Ladakh, Assam and Kashmir) is home to some of the most important works of Islamic art and architecture. Indo-Islamic architecture is essentially a combination of the architecture of two periods, the Delhi Turkish Sultanate (1206-1526) and the Mughal Dynasty (1526-1858). Turkish dynasties left behind many architectural works such as mosques, madrasahs, palaces, forts, inns and mausoleums in the Indian subcontinent. The first works of Islamic architecture in India were built during the Delhi Turkish Sultanate period. Inside the Qutb Complex; The Qutub Minar, Ala-i Minar, Iltutmish Tomb, Alaeddin Halaci Madrasa, Alaeddin Halaci Tomb, Ala-i Dervaza are located. A small palace, a mosque and the Tomb of Imam Zamin built during the Mughal period as well as the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Major Smith Dome, Sanderson Sundial are other works in the complex. The structure has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993. Indo-Islamic architecture first emerged in the Qutub Complex. The complex is not only the symbol of the domination of Aybek and his state, but also gained importance as the first concrete presence of Islam in India. The materials, construction techniques and decorative elements used in the construction of all individual structures, especially the Qutub Minar, together with the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi; It set an example for the Turks who ruled India after them, and especially for the Mughals, who brought the development of architecture to an important level in the history of India and the world. Although most of the structure is now in ruins, the existing ruins provide clues about the past magnificence of this historically important complex. The complex, while addressing both religious life in accordance with the teachings of Islam and with its activity in the social field, eliminated the misplaced perceptions of the non-Muslim public opinion such as “destruction/plunder/looting”; it represented Islam’s moral norms of sustaining, developing, producing, beautifying and valuing people, primarily through the Turks, in India for centuries. Today, it continues this mission in the minds of many people of different beliefs and nationalities as a place of visit. There are almost no scientific studies conducted in our country on the Qutb Complex. The subject of the research is the architectural works of the Delhi Turkish Sultanate period in the Qutb Complex. In this study, after a detailed field research, the site plan of the complex was drawn, plans of the existing works were drawn, and current photographs were taken and documented. It was aimed to pass on these works, which have an important place in terms of Turkish-Islamic history and art and are currently in serious danger of extinction, to future generations. It is envisaged that it will shed light on similar studies to be conducted on the Delhi-Turkish Sultanate.