Architecture in Turkey
Whether old or new, the famous architecture in Turkey captures people’s attention across the globe. The architectural wonders that adorn the country from east to west portray the rise and fall of empires that once ruled these lands. From famous buildings featuring Islamic architecture to the art nouveau architectural style of Istanbul's postmodern social circles, one can spend a lifetime getting to know the buildings and people who have shaped Turkey’s landscapes.
From majestic domes to impressive towers and underground cisterns, Turkish architecture is impossible to stereotype into one niche. Construction over hundreds of years has led to various historical buildings that can’t be ignored. So, while we cannot talk about every piece of famous Turkish architecture, we will highlight the most significant eras, buildings, and Turkish architects to know about.
Famous Architecture in Turkey
Traces of Greco-Roman and Byzantine Periods
While Turkey is home to structures like Gobeklitepe dating from the Bronze Age, most historians agree that architectural roots lay in the Greco-Roman and Byzantine Eras around the 6th century. However, Istanbul, then called Byzantium and founded in the 7th century BCE, took hundreds of years for organised structures to take place.
The Greco-Roman era, later evolving into the Byzantine and classical periods, followed ancient Greek architecture by designing elaborate temples. Additionally, the seven churches of revelation (that were actually cities) on Turkey’s Aegean coast perfectly portray the beginning of construction excellence. An example is Ephesus, abandoned in the 15th century and not rediscovered until the 19th century.
Although excavations halted for the First World War, they continued well into the 20th century, and these days, Ephesus is one of Turkey's top attractions and an architectural marvel. Other Byzantine-era structures include...
Istanbul City Walls: Forget about building types. During Byzantine times, the city walls were the most critical piece of architecture. Such was their importance that it took Mehmed, the conqueror, 53 days to shatter those city walls so he could eventually capture Constantinople. There was no room for error because weak design elements could cost lives. These days, parts of the old city walls still stand.
Basilica Cistern: Byzantine water cisterns were standard when people didn't have the luxury of baths, taps, and toilets. These days, the best one that still stands near the Hagia Sophia, used to supply the city with water. At the time of construction, tradition had swapped from outdoor reservoirs to underground cisterns, and even today, the impressive architecture amazes everyone. The cistern was even featured in a James Bond film.
Hagia Sophia: Even though the building is now a mosque, the Hagia Sophia is still one of the world’s best Byzantine buildings. The massive central dome and use of natural light boast of architectural heritage and inspired the Blue Mosque design.
About Seljuk Architecture
Before the Ottomans rose to power, the 11th-century and 11th-century Seljuk empires were mighty, ruling countries across the Middle East and into the heartland of current-day Turkey. The Seljuks, also liked to build massive and elaborate buildings, some of which still stand today.
Some historians say the Persian, Byzantine and Armenian building styles influenced them, yet their styles are distinctive and stand out. They are widely known for having left their mark in Konya city, and the easiest way for any traveller to see examples is to explore caravanserais on surrounding roads.
These strategically placed buildings were resting places for travelling salespersons, along roads roughly 30 kilometres away, the estimated distance a person could travel in one day. This was quite a distance, considering they did not have motorised vehicles.
Tall doors, with elaborate décor, offered safety for the residents because, in those days, bandits were rife. Inside, various rooms led off the courtyard, including a prayer room, eating, sleeping, washing quarters, and a section for animals. The larger and busier caravanserais had blacksmiths, vets, tailors, and cobblers to aid people's journeys.
The caravanserais are so well respected that 40, from Denizli to Dogubeyazlt, belong to the tentative list of UNESCO Heritage sites. Offering people a place to eat, sleep, wash, and pray, their purpose refers to the days of nomadic lifestyles.
If you are in Cappadocia, just on the outskirts of Goreme town centre is Saruhan caravansary, with a stunning and elaborate entrance. Although the building has two stone colours because of reconstruction, it perfectly displays traditional Seljuk architecture!
The Ottoman Architectural Landscape
The Ottomans excelled at many things, including constructing landmark buildings that instantly captured the eye and earned untold admiration. Other styles, including Islamic and Byzantine architecture, influenced them, but they went on to form their distinctive look that earned them a permanent place in architectural history books.
Some masterpieces still standing today include palaces, water fountains, and bridges, but admiration focuses more on their mosques with intricate designs, most befitting a place of worship. Although their reputation for fantastic architecture started in the 14th century, when they were dominating rulers of Bursa and Edirne, it was to be years before they constructed the buildings that still stand the test of time today.
More importantly, the famous architect Mimar Sinan achieved fame and worldwide respect. His groundbreaking 16th-century work as the chief royal architect for three sultans kept him in favour. Credited with constructing more than 300 buildings, his legacy lies with the UNESCO World Heritage Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
His influence during that time and for future generations is undeniable because his apprentices constructed marvellous buildings throughout lands ruled by the Ottomans. The difference between Sinan and other architects of his era is that Sinan knowingly influenced trends. Rather than relying on traditional, domed models, he pushed to build the best landmark while keeping practicality and safety as key concepts.
After Mimar Sinan, the advancement of Ottoman architecture ground to a halt. Although some tried, no one surpassed his level of excellence. Mimar Sinan created a legacy that not even the sultans could dream of.
The best place to see Ottoman architecture is old Istanbul, which includes the Sultan Ahmed Blue Imperial Mosque, which has beautiful tiles, and Topkapi Palace, which was their first home when they invaded Constantinople.
Afterwards, head to the Besiktas district to see the Dolmabahce Palace with crystal chandeliers. This was the last home of the Ottoman Dynasty before it was disbanded. Still, the baroque and Western-style architecture shows the style difference between the 17th and 18th centuries and their demise.
Another notable landmark among the Ottoman buildings, the Galata Tower, initially built by the Genoese in the 14th century, still stands today. The observation deck, open to the public, offers fantastic panoramic views.
Getting away from the grandeur of sultans and historic buildings, small villages like Beypazari and the UNESCO Safranbolu display the Ottoman architecture of the lower classes of society through their houses. Likewise, UNESCO Bursa and the houses of Cumalikizik perfectly display rural Ottoman living from the 14th century onwards.
Post-Turkish Republic and Modern Architecture
After Turkey recovered from the First World War and the Turkish War of Independence, optimism saw emerging Turkish architects realise they had a brand-new playground to display their work. Often called the first national architecture movement and headed by Vedat Tek and Mimar Kemaladdin Bey, the style incorporated various influences, including Seljuk, Ottoman, and neoclassical architecture.
The Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, designed in 1955 by Sedad Hakki Eldem, was the hallmark of transforming Turkish architecture as new trends were born and integrated. Sedad Haskki Eldem developed the Social Security complex in Zeyrek, a sign of impressive architecture coming to the public main street.
Another trend around this time was brutalist architecture, as seen in Istanbul’s Middle East Technical University, designed by Behruz Cinici and his wife, Altug Cinici. Hayati Tabanlıoğlu designed the famous Ataturk Cultural Centre on Taksim Square. In contrast, fellow architect Turgut Cansever designed the famous Anadolu Club hotel on Buyukada Island.
Today, Istanbul has many impressive buildings to boast about, including the Istanbul Sapphire Tower designed by Tabanlıoğlu Architects. Sitting in the Levent district, the fourth tallest building in Europe when constructed, was a sign that Turkey was ready to take on the world and prove their architectural excellence.
Breaking with traditions, Famous architect Emre Arolat is well-known and cemented his position in Turkish architecture. He designs luxury properties for sale, and also designed the famous Sancaklar mosque. Emre Arolat Architecture also creates landmarks in other countries and easily outranks European architects for their forward thinking.
Architecture for Modern Living
Don't think that the notable architecture of Turkey is confined to famous buildings or bygone eras, though. These days, construction industries and Turkish and foreign architects are working side by side to promote the best of modern living in residential homes across the city. Current design elements that feature highly are, of course, technology and green living.
Modern building types incorporate natural elements and construction methods like stone brickwork and maximise the topography for amazing views. Details of buildings focus on a single element, a common decor rule to ensure homes fit in with their natural surroundings.
Indeed, the architectural arena is highly a feature in Istanbul's property market. But this is no surprise. Istanbul's housing market is the top-performing and the perfect playground for architects to make a name for themselves. (See the architecture of apartments and villas in Istanbul here.)
About Turkey Homes
We are Turkey Homes, selling property across Turkey, from Istanbul to Fethiye, Bodrum, and Antalya. Naturally, we adore Turkey's famous architecture and how the industry has transformed into a modern-day global hub. If you want to know more about Turkey's cultural heritage, see our blog, which talks about the history, traditions, food, and prominent places in this beautiful country.
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