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The Rüstem Pasha Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan and completed around 1563, is an Ottoman mosque in Istanbul’s Tahtakale neighborhood near the Spice Bazaar. Commissioned by Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha, the mosque is renowned for its extensive İznik tilework, covering nearly every interior surface.
Built atop a vaulted marketplace, the mosque is elevated, featuring a courtyard accessed by narrow staircases. Its octagonal design, with a central dome supported by semi-domes, distinguishes it architecturally. Unlike Sinan’s typically restrained interiors, this mosque boasts around 2,300 İznik tiles in diverse floral and geometric patterns, showcasing early use of Armenian bole red pigment.
The mihrab and qibla wall incorporate both tiles and experimental painting styles, contributing to the mosque’s distinctive aesthetic. Restored in 2021, it remains a striking example of Ottoman artistry.
The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.