Sinan Diaryz - A Walking Tour of Sinan's Monuments [Paperback]

Ann Pierpont (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2007

Who was Mimar Sinan? Ann Pierpont, intrigued by what she had seen of the Ottoman dynasty's premier architect's work, embarked on an expedition to find out more about the man, his design sensibility and the milieu in which he lived. Surprised that this great man's work had not been made accessible to the public with a handy guide to his monuments, Pierpont undertook the project herself and has published a walking guide to Sinan's works in Istanbul and beyond. To make the details of his working life and its challenges more immediate, the author takes on the point of view of the Master himself, writing her guide in the format of Sinan's diary, with detailed descriptions of his architectural choices and innovations complementing the diary entries. For the novice Mimar Sinan enthusiast or for the architectural scholar who would like to know more about the master architect's life and lesser-known structures, this guide is a must!

Editorial Reviews

Review

Turkey hearkens of spicy lands, generous people and ancient buildings. With Pierpont's earnest examination of Sinan's life, service and engineering feats, she unravels the past of this premier architect which weaves through the heart of Turkey's most revered landmarks. (Wayne Noffsinger )

As a constant traveler and walking enthusiast, I found the diversity of the Sinan tour enlightening. Even this octogenarian had no difficulty with the walks that made it possible to be acquainted with the authentic Istanbul. (Dorothy Lindheim )

For even the most novice traveler, to explore the architecture of Sinan is to take in many of the wonders of Istanbul and the surrounding area. My travels had me exploring fascinating destinations such as the amazing bridge at Büyükçekmece and the masterpiece of his work the Selimiye mosque in Edirne. Pierpont's work opens your eyes to the spectrum of mosque architecture and how fortunate we are to still have such a splendid inventory of Sinan's work to enjoy. (Chris Schilling )

About the Author

Ann Pierpont was born in California and graduated from the university of California, Berkeley in 1968 with a degree in art. A professional cook for many years, she finally traveled to Turkey in 1993. Her passion for antiquities and art drew her back to the abundance Turkey offers, and subsequently to the works of the country's master Ottoman architect, Sinan. An avid walker and enthusiastic about Sinan's buildings, it seemed natural to design a walking tour, incorporating her illustrations and photos. Now retired, she continues her studies of the Turkish language and the history of its people.

Product Details

• Paperback: 201 pages
• Publisher: Citlembik/Nettleberry Publications; 1st edition (February 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9944424080
• ISBN-13: 978-9944424080
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,462,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sinan Diaryz - A Walking Tour, May 4, 2008

By 

Poppy Wyatt (Oregon) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sinan Diaryz - A Walking Tour of Sinan's Monuments (Paperback)

Ann Pierpont shares her enthusiasm for Turkey, its history and antiquities, which has fueled her extensive research on Mimar Sinan's architectural monuments. Opting for a diary-styled format, she writes about the life and times of Sinan in anything but dry, historical text. She brings an artist's eye to the featured buildings and represents them with her own illustrations and photographs, complete with beautifully hand-painted frames. Blank pages are provided for personal comments and photos...a unique addition to a guidebook. We have just returned from 10 days in Istanbul and can say that her walking tours provided us with a focus on many of Sinan's masterpieces in Istanbul and environs. We recommend it highly.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sinan Diaryz - A Walking Tour of Sinan's Monuments, April 26, 2008

By 

Sara Akerlund (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sinan Diaryz - A Walking Tour of Sinan's Monuments (Paperback)

This book is a must for anyone traveling to Turkey or anyone interested in the architecture of the Ottoman Empire.
It is written and presented in such an appealing style. The book is composed as if it is Sinan's diary during his years as an architect. The author has not only brought Sinan to life but also the times in which he lived.
The book also describes Sinan's most important works, where they are located, their history and how to find them.
To personalize the book, the author has framed a space along each site she describes to affix your own photograph.
A fascinating read. If you have not traveled to Turkey and seen Sinan's beautiful architecture this will be your inspiration!