THE COVERING STRUCTURES OF THE MAIN PRAYER HALLS OF THE EXISTING MOSQUES BUILT DURING THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE PERIOD IN ALBANIA

Abstract

This study examines the covering structures of the existing mosques built during Ottoman Empire period in Albania. The historical information and especially the plan schemes are taken from the existing sources. The buildings are also examined on the site and the relevant visual material has been provided, to explain the covering structures features of the main prayer halls. The study is organized according to a chronological order. Each building is explained by giving introductory information about the builder and the time of the mosques and then by examining the covering structures and their transitional elements. In conclusion the features of covering structures of the existing mosques built during Ottoman Empire period in Albania are compared between each other defining their typology and revealing the structural values of these buildings.