Arel, Ayda. Onsekizinci Yüzyıl İstanbul Mimarisinde Batılılaşma Süreci. İstanbul: İ.T.Ü. Mimarlık Fakültesi Baskı Atölyesi, 1975, 176pp.
ABSTRACT
The Westernisation Process in the Architecture of Eighteenth-Century Istanbul
Onsekizinci Yüzyıl İstanbul Mimarisinde Batılılaşma Süreci
This book investigates the architecture of the Ottoman capital during the period of its Westernisation. The research includes a detailed study of architectural examples such as mosques, palaces, kiosks, public fountains, schools, libraries and türbes (tombs) from the Tulip Era (1718-1730) to the end of the reign of Selim III (1808). As one of the few pioneer researches on the Western influences on Ottoman architecture, the work is also one of the main sources in this field. The topic is investigated chronologically in three stages: 1721-40, 1740-89, and transition (the architecture of Selim III period).
The study also provides information on Ottoman-European relations and the social, cultural and political changes in the Ottoman Empire. The author consulted both European and Ottoman travel accounts and memoirs in order to present cross-cultural perceptions. Original findings from comparative analyses show that eighteenth-century Ottoman architecture was innovative and genuine and not undergoing decline, or as the author states: “Eighteenth-century is not truly a period of Westernisation for Ottoman architecture but constitutes a preliminary period leading to inevitable Westernisation”.
This study since its publication in 1975 forms a major source despite its poor quality of print and retains its utility for Late Ottoman art and architectural history.
Sezim Sezer
Sezer, Sezim. “English abstract of 'of The Westernisation Process in the Architecture of Eighteenth-Century Istanbul'". Translated by Sezim Sezer. In Cities as Built and Lived Environments: Scholarship from Muslim Contexts, 1875 to 2011, by Aptin Khanbaghi, 94. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2014.
Muslim Civilisations Abstracts - The Aga Khan University
