Restoration reveals heritage of Ottomans

BURSA - Anatolia News Agency

The original Ottoman motifs have been revealed during a restoration. AA photo

Restoration work initiated by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality in the famous Muradiye Külliye (social complex) has revealed that the original Ottoman motifs in the dome of the tombs’ complex were covered with plaster and painted with baroque designs and motifs during restoration done at the end of the 19th century.

According to a written statement made by the municipality, the visuals on the dome of the külliye, which consists of 12 tombs built gradually over 100 years since Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, are not originals.

Restoration experts began working on the tomb of Gülruh Hatun, the wife of Bayezid II, when they realized the Baroque designs on the tomb were painted over other material. After drilling operations, which revealed the Ottoman motifs behind the Baroque motifs, the same work was carried out in other tombs to similar results.

Restoration expert Sara Özçelik said that with the impact of Baroque art in the 1850s, the early Ottoman motifs were covered with plaster and replaced.

“Now, as required by law, we protect one eighth of the work that was made later and reveal the original designs,” she said.