vartur
VARTUR Mobile APP

For a better Experience

Open in App 📲

All About Architecture in Turkey

5 min read
Published: 25 Jan 2023

Turkey has always been a mix of many different cultures, and it does not change in this regard when it comes to Turkish architecture. Since the Turkish territory occupies a prominent central position between Asia and Europe, it can express this cultural blend in a setting that is more vivid and majestic than would otherwise be possible. Its eventful past and multi-ethnic population have resulted in the development of a wide range of various architectural styles over the course of its existence such as Ottoman architects performed, each of which is characterized by a unique set of qualities. The characteristics of architecture in Turkey I will discuss below are unique to Turks and have been passed down through the generations. You may find examples of this style of architecture all around Turkey real estate, not just in Istanbul properties.

The Turks were traditionally nomadic people who lived in dome-shaped tents that were adapted to the natural environment of their country in Central Asia. Tents like these will later have an impact on Turkish architecture and ornamental arts. When the Seljuk Turks first arrived in Iran, they saw buildings constructed using age-old methods. The Seljuks developed new styles of Turkish architecture by combining these methods with aspects of their own cultural traditions to create new kind of Turkish building. The "medrese" was the most important kind of construction that they devised during this time.

The earliest medreses, which are theological schools for Muslims, were built in the 11th century by the well-known minister Nizamulmulk during the reigns of Alparslan and Melik Shah. The three government medreses at Nisabur, Tus, and Baghdad, as well as the Hargerd Medresse, are among the most notable of these Turkish buildings. Elegant, unadorned formwork of straightforward design and well-balanced proportions characterize Turkish architecture in these times. The buildings had an entryway that was embellished with colorful and ornate designs, but other than that, they were very simple in appearance. 

An examination of Turkish architecture would be incomplete without mentioning one of its most significant eras. The Ottoman Empire era is considered the golden age of Turkish architecture. Ottoman architects eventually developed their own unique style after being influenced by Seljuk, Byzantine, and Arab architectural styles. During this time, there are three distinct styles of mosques: tiered, single-domed, and subline-angled. Iznik, the first major hub of the Ottoman Empire, is home to the Haji Ozbek Mosque, the earliest surviving example of a single-domed mosque that Ottoman architects made. 

Architecture in Turkey continued to grow unabated. Complex and magnificent buildings, which become typical of Turkish architecture, were designed during the subsequent period that paralleled with the growth of the Ottoman Empire. The style was mostly used for the design of mosques and other religious facilities like kulliye (baths, hospitals, schools, etc.) and palaces.

The Blue Mosque that you can see above by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha was the final major construction made by Ottoman architects undertaking the traditional Ottoman Empire. The use of symmetry and repetition, together with natural light and spectacular interior design, create a heavenly space that is appropriate for religious reflection and prayer, despite the extravagant appearance of the exteriors of the buildings. 

Mimar (means architect) Sinan, an accomplished Ottoman architect, the Ottoman Empire's principal administrator of public works was a pivotal role in the development of the Turkish architecture style. By focusing on four key elements—simplicity, hierarchy, mobility, and negative space—he developed a set of rules to improve the public's experience and perception of architecture. Mimar Sinan started a new era in Turkish architecture when he built 334 buildings in different cities around the world. The eras in Turkey architecture that came after would be profoundly impacted by his style. The Sehzade Mosque, Mimar Sinan's first major building, was finished in 1548. The Süleymaniye Mosque and its associated complex were his second major project, completed for Kanuni Sultan Suleyman. Classical Ottoman mosques, bridges, fountains, and schools can be found not only in Istanbul and Edirne, but also in Egypt, Tunisia, Algiers, the Balkans, and Hungary.

Between 1720 and 1890, Ottoman art broke with the classical tradition. The 18th century Lale (Tulip) period saw the introduction of western decorative flourishes into Ottoman art, with elements of Baroque, Rococo, Ampir, and other forms mixing with traditional Ottoman aesthetics. During this time, fountains emerged as the dominant architectural style. There was a shift towards eclecticism. Istanbul's Aksaray Valide mosque exemplifies the blending of Turkish art with Gothic architecture. As a result, architects started incorporating more European-inspired aesthetic details into their otherwise conventional forms. 

The neo-classical period of Turkish architecture spans the years 1890-1930. After the second constitutional period of the Ottoman Empire, a surge in nationalism liberated Ottoman architecture from the influence of western art and gave rise to a new style based on classic Ottoman design. By the 1970s, several historically significant buildings that had fallen into disrepair had been restored and turned into hotels and restaurants. Some of those hotels and restaurants are available all over Turkey real estate. During this time, there was also a resurgence of classical Turkish architectural styles that sought new synthesis by blending with modern techniques. 

The modern architecture movement spread over the world, inspiring a second national architectural movement in the Turkish region. This upsurge was prompted by the entry of foreign architects, who were influenced by fascist architecture movements. This trend sought to emphasize the authority and strength of government institutions through the employment of imposing architectural elements (such as high ceilings and expansive windows) in their designs. The Anitkabir mausoleum is an example of a building in this style, which is characterized by a return to neo-classical ideals of symmetry, simplicity, and an absence of adornment.

Today's Turkish architecture has already surpassed multiple peaks. The country has established itself as a premier destination for historical, modern, and contemporary architecture in addition to having produced a number of breakthroughs in the field in terms of typology, expression, and general design. In order to stay up with the times, many Turkish architects use modern materials and building processes, but they often do it in a way that echoes the cultural lexicon of ancient Turkey.

A number of Turkey's architectural marvels that are open to the public that you can actually visit:

  • Ishak Pasa Palace 
  • TBMM Mosque 
  • SSK Zeyrek Facilities 
  • Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque
  • Semsi Pasa Mosque
  • Bursa Grand Mosque
  • Maiden’s Tower
  • Galata Tower
comments (0)
Leave your thought here
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
submit