Test your Design IQ

What is the name of this mosque in Istanbul, Turkey?

MANILA, Philippines - This mosque was built on the order of Sultan Süleyman and construction work began in 1550 and finished in 1558.

This vast religious complex blends Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements. It combines tall, slender minarets with large domed buildings supported by half domes in the style of the Byzantine church Hagia Sophia (which the Ottomans converted into the mosque of Aya Sofya).”

The design of the mosque also plays on  Süleyman’s self-conscious representation of himself as a “second Solomon.” It references the Dome of the Rock, which was built on the site of the Temple of Solomon, as well as Justinian’s boast upon the completion of the Hagia Sophia: “Solomon, I have surpassed thee!” The mosque, similar in magnificence to the preceding structures, asserts the sultan’s historical importance. The structure is nevertheless smaller in size than its older archetype, the Hagia Sophia.

The mosque was ravaged by a fire in 1660 and was restored by Sultan Mehmed IV. Part of the dome collapsed again during the earthquake of 1766. Subsequent repairs damaged what was left of the original decoration of Sinan (recent cleaning has shown that Sinan experimented first with blue, before turning red the dominant color of the dome).

During World War I the courtyard was used as a weapons depot, and when some of the ammunition ignited, the mosque suffered another fire. Not until 1956 was it fully restored again.

Last week’s question: Who is the Italian-American chef who is best known as the winner of the first season of Top Chef and now runs two critically-acclaimed restos,  Perilla and Kin Shop?

Answer: Harold Dieterle

Winner: Ma. Antonietta M. Fabricante of Makaturing, Mandaluyong City

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Text your answer to 0927-7579807 with your name and address. One winner will be chosen through a raffle of texts with the correct answer. The winner will receive P2,000 worth of SM gift certificates for use at Our Home, SM Department Store, or SM Supermarket. They can claim their prize at Our Home in SM Megamall. Call the store manager at 634-1951.Bring photocopies of two valid IDs and a clipping of the Design Quiz issue in which you appear as winner.