Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/563

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Bk. I. Ch. IV.
547

jix. 1. Ch. TV. TURKEY. 547 development in Europe. On the whole, we ought therefore rather to be surprised that they did so much, than seek to know why they did not accomplish more. Sinan and Michel Angelo were employed simultaneously in erecting the two great religious edifices of their age in the two old capitals of the Christian world. The mosque at Con- stantinople is less than one-fourth the size of St. Peter's at Rome, but notwithstanding its comparatively small dimensions, it is far better in design and a much more impressive building than its gigantic Christian rival. If the mosque had been constructed with better materials, and with somewhat increased dimensions, it would have stood a comparison with any building of its class ; and even as it is, must be considered as one of the most successful designs of modern times.