How myths of city affects architecture via sample of Arap Cami

Abstract

In order to have direct relation with past people try to settle a historical, word-of-mouth, splendid stories with place that they are living in. Having a memorable, symbolic legends makes people a part of city's collective memory. Istanbul was a significant example that not only Byzantion people controlled this capital but also it was important for others in terms of religional care and its key location between east and west. This makes Istanbul always under Islamic-Arabian attacks both because of location and religional importance. Although these attacks could not reach their aim, Arabic pilgrims searched some architectural shares to be a partner of Istanbul. Mosque is the key building to settle an partnership with Istanbul. With an partnership in other words legend was always increased. This intention also affects architecture somehow with some symbolic buildings that Arap Cami is important one because of having claim of the first Islamic construction in Istanbul. This study seeks to understand reasons of naming a Latin church which probably was constructed on an old Byzantion church firstly as a mosque of Mesleme by giving some Islamic symbolic meanings. In order to get some clues about what makes Istanbul as legendary Arabs and also Muslims, how they tried to gain ownership of this capital not truly but metaphorically or symbolically. Starting from Arap Cami as case study archives, records and travellers scripts will be major research sources for this study. Historians of Istanbul had tendency to mention about this city as God's city with regards to being Constantinopolis or Istanbul. Because settling of Istanbul at the beginning held by emperor who represented as God on earth. For Muslims conquering of this city has significant and symbolic importance in consequence of prophet's words: 'Such a glorious commander who conquered Istanbul, such a glorious soldier who conquer Istanbul'. Arap Cami is important because of having an origins speculations tries to settle desiring relation with Constantinopolis. Anonymous mouths who established legends and myths put in to contact with both their roots and anyone who would listen. Purpose of study is investigating effects of origin speculation in terms of architecture.