Its great Roswitha. Thanks

Bird houses and house sparrow palace

New mosques should have it

They are pretty amazing! Intricate architecture like this never ceases to amaze me. Or how they were constructed.

Generally you can see them on the wall of mosques, medreses, inns, homes, bridges, libraries and tombs.

I just love them, saw one at Laleli/University Istanbul. More in Uskudar....
What is the Muslim (Qu'uran) belief reg. birds in general???

They built those palaces cos they were carrying about animals. Just that. They are not holy at all Just shows how respectful they are to the animals.

Traditional Ottoman Mosques are not simple structures, solely to pray in. They are extremely social.

The idea is that any Mosque must fulfil one or more social function to the community as well, other than offering muslims a place to meet and pray.

This social function ( depending on what is missing in that neighborhood) can be a kitchen offering free food to the poor, a library, a school, a dormitory for poor students, a public bath, a mini hospital, some shops to promote local commerce, even a separate hall for weddings or other similar communal activities - one or more can be included in the design.

Külliyesi web.mit.edu/.../newhome/4.207/background.html

Dear Ros,

I cant open it. Can you check it again?