On The Acoustics of Süleymaniye Mosque: From Past to Present

Abstract

Süleymaniye Mosque, the central structure of one of the larg- est mosque complexes of the Ottoman Empire, has been and remains an inspirational edifice for many fields, including archi- tectural acoustics and material science. Comprehensive studies are needed to assess the acoustic conditions of Süleymaniye Mosque in relation to its architectural elements, interior finish materials, and any changes which have occurred in acoustic comfort levels as a result of large-scale repairs the structure has been subjected to in its life time. In-situ acoustic tests were undertaken in 2013, immediately following final restoration work done between 2007-2011. These recent data were then compared to previously-published in-situ measurement data showing acoustic conditions in the Mosque after 1969 and 1980 restorations. Acoustic simulations were performed to represent and discuss activity patterns in the structure when full to capacity. As a result of architectural form-geometry and interior material factors, the acoustic field of the Mosque ex- hibited the presence of very high reverberation times in all field tests, especially at low frequencies. The Mosque was found to suffer from high background noise levels emanating from the mechanical systems introduced during the 2007-2011 resto- ration. This study also highlights the necessity for further in- vestigations of the acoustic characteristics of burnt-clay pots and historical lime-based plasters. Both should be investigated further in order to scientifically prove their contribution to the acoustics of the Mosque and help to restore the structure’s original acoustic comfort conditions.