In November 2015, Turkishceramics and the UK’s leading weekly architectural magazine The Architects’ Journal took a group of British architects to Istanbul and Edirne on a research trip to study the work of the 16th century Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The research resulted in a book published in May 2016 and an exhibition at the Building Centre in London. 

The exhibition will now travel to Cersaie in Bologna and World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Berlin. The exhibition explores the life and work of Mimar Sinan and his mastery of the art of building, from the use of ceramics to urban infrastructure.   

World Architecture Festival between 16-18 November at the Arena Berlin, stand number E60.  The exhibition features research projects conducted by the participating architecture practices; Ian Ritchie Architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, DSDHA, Reiach and Hall Architects, Sam Jacob Studio and Bureau de Change.  

Mimar Sinan, a contemporary of Palladio and Michelangelo, defined the look and feel of historic Istanbul, with its unforgettable skyline of domes and minarets, but he is also renowned for his engineering skills, and the bridges and aqueducts he designed. Unlike so many of his contemporaries however, many of his buildings are still in everyday use, serving both new and old communities in the ancient imperial city. Yet despite his increasing relevance today – the longevity and adaptability of his buildings are the essence of sustainable urban design – Sinan remains undermentioned. 

“On behalf of the Turkish ceramic industry, I am proud to see Sinan: The First Starchitect traveling through Europe. The exhibition celebrates historic Ottoman architecture and design and it has been fascinating to see how 21st century British architects have responded creatively to the work of the 16th century master. I hope the exhibition will continue to stimulate many debates and discussions about the value of Mimar Sinan’s life and work in Europe and beyond.” Bahadir Kayan, Chairman of Turkishceramics