Topkapi Palace Baghdad Kiosk Tiles

Abstract

Baghdad Kiosk, which is located in the fourth court of Topkapi Palace, overlooks the most beautiful view of the palace. It was built by Murad IV (1612-1640) to commemorate the Baghdad Campaign in 1639. It's architect was most likely civil chief-architect Kasim Aga. Tiles adorn the upper parts of the lower windows on the exterior. The interior pendetives, iwan arches, spaces between the windows and insides of the cabinets were also tiled. Panels situated on both sides of the fireplace and between the windows decorated with bird and kilin figures are in the reed style. These panels are successful 17th century copies of the 16th century examples from the Topkapi Palace Circumcision Chamber (1640) facade tiles. It is known that the Ayetel Kursi of celi sulus calligraphy in the Topkapi Palace Baghdad Kiosk belonged to Enderuni Mahmud Celebi of Tophane. Technically and artistically, the tiles in the structure were produced using the underglaze technique and are blue and white in color. In the 17th century, when tile production was very intense, the Kutahya and Iznik workshops continued their production together. Topkapi Palace Baghdad Pavilion's exterior tiles resemble those of Kutahya in terms of size and patterns. The interior tiles are thought to be produced by Iznik for the same reason.