Kill Ali Pasha Stained Glass Window
Title: Stained Glass Window from Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque
Architect: Mimar Sinan
Date: 1578-80
Medium: Glass
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, the Kilic Ali Pasha complex was constructed for the Grand Admiral Kilic Ali Pasha. Completed in 1580, the mosque is regarded as one of the architects Mimar Sinan’s most important works. Located on either side of and above the mihrab are two stained glass windows. The windows are home to inscriptions from the Qur’an. These inscriptions stress the importance of prayer and devotion, as well as referring to the omniscience of God. Intricate floral designs made of blue, red, green, and orange glass form a wide border around the edge of the windows. A skilled craftsman was required to create such intricate and extravagant windows. For Sinan to have had these windows made, he would have had to have access to the required skilled craftsman. As the windows were made and installed, it shows how Sinan had the needed power and prestige to commission very skilled craftsmen.
