Classical Ottoman architecture

Classical Ottoman architecture
Top: Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul (1550–1557); Middle: Selimiye Mosque in Edirne (1568–1574); Bottom: Baghdad Kiosk in Topkapı Palace (1639)
Years active16th–17th centuries (primarily)

Classical Ottoman architecture is a period in Ottoman architecture generally including the 16th and 17th centuries. The period is most strongly associated with the works of Mimar Sinan, who was Chief Court Architect under three sultans between 1538 and 1588. The start of the period also coincided with the long reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, which is recognized as the apogee of Ottoman political and cultural development, with extensive patronage in art and architecture by the sultan, his family, and his high-ranking officials.[1]

Ottoman architecture at this time was strongly influenced by Byzantine architecture, particularly the Hagia Sophia, and blended it with other influences to suit Ottoman needs.[2][3] Architects typically experimented with different combinations of conventional elements including domes, semi-domes, and arcaded porticos.[4][5] Successful architects such as Sinan demonstrated their skill through their meticulous attempts to solve problems of space, proportion, and harmony.[4] Sinan's most important works include the Şehzade Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Selimiye Mosque.[6][1][7]

After Sinan's death, the classical style became less innovative and more repetitive.[4] The 17th century still produced major works such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, but the social and political changes of the Tulip Period eventually led to a shift towards Ottoman Baroque architecture.

  1. ^ a b Bloom, Jonathan M.; Blair, Sheila S., eds. (2009). "Ottoman". The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195309911.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Goodwin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Stratton was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c Blair & Bloom 1995, p. 213.
  5. ^ Kuban 2010.
  6. ^ Gábor Ágoston; Bruce Alan Masters (21 May 2010). Encyclopedia of the Ottoman Empire. Infobase Publishing. p. 50. ISBN 978-1-4381-1025-7.
  7. ^ Tabbaa, Yasser. "Architecture; 11. Ottoman architecture (c. 1300–c. 1600 c.e.)". In Fleet, Kate; Krämer, Gudrun; Matringe, Denis; Nawas, John; Rowson, Everett (eds.). Encyclopaedia of Islam, Three. Brill. ISSN 1873-9830.