Kyrgyzstan-Karakol İbrağim Hacı/Dungan Mosque Wooden Decorations

Abstract

Decorations made with the carving technique on wood are the most permanent and long-lasting decoration elements that are fondly applied in civil architecture as well as in religious architecture. Located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, the structure known as İbragim Haci/Dungan Mosque in the city of Karakol was built in the early 20th century as a single story, single-minaret building using wood without nails. The mosque was decorated two different woodwork techniques, incorporating semi-stylized plant motifs, angular curved geometric motif, dragon, and cloud (Chinese cloud) elements. The wooden materials and decorations used in the construction were painted in various colors with oil paints to protect them from changing climatic conditions. This research aims to evaluate and introduce important elements such as the architectural style, which is a reflection of Chinese culture, the way it is implemented, and the preference for animal motifs such as dragons and phoenixes, which are not often seen in religious architectural decorations.