Visible religion: exploring Christian narrative and identity in the architectural decoration of Mardin houses

During the late Ottoman period, Mardin experienced an increase in residential construction characterized by remarkable stone-carved decorations. Within the broader corpus of residential decoration, a particular group of portals on the southern facade and grand niches in the reception room (başoda) feature a unique iconographic schema that incorporates Christian symbols. These decorations, which contextualize the Christian narrative within residences, represent a rare and exceptional phenomenon in a predominantly Muslim city within the larger geography of the Ottoman Empire. This article aims to explore the religious meaning conveyed through the symbolic imagery present in Christian dwellings. Furthermore, it will analyse the intricate multidenominational Christian identity strategies, considering the relevant political, economic, and socio-religious situations of the period. It employs a research methodology that combines iconographic analysis with comparative evaluations of the altar decoration from the mid-twentieth century in regional churches. This comparative analysis confirms our inference about the theme of salvation, represented through the metaphor of the gate of paradise, underscoring the theme’s sustainability characteristics that span centuries in terms of form and meaning. The article clarifies our comprehension of the intricate relationship between decorative art, faith, and the socio-religious landscape of late Ottoman Mardin.