An Investigation on the Effects of Architectural Features on Acoustical Environment of Historical Mosques

In the historical period, different mosques were built in the Anatolian side; the differences in size, typology and style were affected by the climate conditions, cultural and social aspects, availability of materials and the construction techniques of the region they were built in. The ceiling structure, which is the most influencing factor for mosque acoustics, is designed with either curvilinear elements or a flat ceiling for mosques. In the context of our case study, the eight historical mosques in Turkey, with different materials and types of ceiling structures, are investigated in terms of acoustical characteristics in the main prayer hall. Acoustical data are collected by measurements to reveal how the formal differences and material change in ceiling structures affect the acoustic environments of mosques with similar volume. Distribution of acoustical parameters and the suitability of the values obtained through measurements are compared to reflect the effect of architectural features on the acoustical characteristics of the prayer hall

Effects of plaster choice on conservation of the original acoustical character of historical mosques

The study aims to contribute acoustic characteristics of two monumental mosques in Western Anatolia: focusing on the change of material properties of the prayer hall and its effects on the perceived acoustical environment during history. Preserving the authentic auditory environments of historical mosques has great importance. Because the acoustical perception of the prayer hall affects users as much as their visual perception. Field measurements and acoustical simulations were held in two historical mosques with similar room volumes but different dome combinations to compare the present and probable original acoustical environments. The values of T30, EDT and STI are investigated by focusing on the change of plaster properties during restoration works. It is found that the original mortars could be differentiated for both cases and they might sound very different when the time they were first built. Acoustic documentation of such important historical monuments of Anatolia is quite a good contribution to the field of archaeoacoustics and historical conservation. However, the study focused on the change of material properties. The findings of the paper can raise the question; of whether it is possible to comment on the originality of materials of a historical space by measuring its current acoustical character.</p

The effects of different ceiling structures and plan typologies on acoustical conditions of historical mosques

Mosque is a building type used by Muslim people consists of speech and music rituals. Good acoustical condition in mosques is an important issue to provide desired acoustical environment for prayers and Imams during different worship rituals. Prayers need to feel individuality in praying and the sense of unity in recitation of the Quran, hymns. Worship activities need a high level of speech intelligibility and to satisfy prayers in the spiritual aspects which make people feel closed to the God. In the context of study, six historical mosques in Turkey, with different types of cover structures and plan typologies, are designated as study areas. The present study contains two methods which the first one is collecting acoustical data by measurements and the second consists of mathematical modelling software program. The purpose of study to investigate effects of different plan typology and ceiling structures on acoustical characteristics in mosques with similar volume. Also, distribution of acoustical parameters and the suitability of the values obtained through acoustic simulations and measurements to the recommended values are aimed to be investigated. As a result of the investigations, it was concluded that the objective acoustic parameters of mosques changed according to the geometric parameter properties.</p