7.4 Turkish and Ottoman Art and Architecture

Turkish and Ottoman art blends Islamic, Byzantine, and Central Asian influences. From grand mosques to intricate ceramics, it's a fusion of cultures spanning three continents. The Ottomans created a unique style that left a lasting mark on architecture, decorative arts, and calligraphy.

Ottoman art reflects the empire's power and multicultural nature. Sultans were major patrons, fostering skilled artisans and commissioning grand projects. This artistic tradition combined religious symbolism with diverse cultural elements, creating a rich visual language that spread far beyond Ottoman borders.

Distinctive characteristics of Ottoman art

Architectural and decorative elements

Top images from around the web for Architectural and decorative elements

• 

  Tiles of the Rüstem Paşa Mosque | The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tiles of the Rüstem Paşa Mosque | The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 1

Top images from around the web for Architectural and decorative elements

• 

  Tiles of the Rüstem Paşa Mosque | The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tiles of the Rüstem Paşa Mosque | The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 1

• Ottoman architecture features monumental domed mosques with multiple minarets and expansive courtyards
• Iznik tiles adorn buildings with vibrant blue, red, and green floral motifs
• Calligraphy plays a central role in Turkish and Ottoman art
  • Distinctive styles developed (Diwani script)
• Carpet weaving reached new heights under Ottoman patronage
  • Intricate geometric and floral patterns became emblematic of Turkish design
  • Incorporated traditional Anatolian motifs (kilim patterns)

Artistic styles and techniques

• Ottoman miniature painting evolved into a unique style
  • Characterized by detailed depictions of historical events and court life
  • Incorporated perspective and shading techniques from Western art
• Metalwork combined Islamic arabesque designs with Byzantine elements
  • Produced intricate inlaid objects (ewers, trays, candlesticks)
• Bookbinding developed into a highly refined art form
  • Featured intricate leather tooling and gold leaf decoration

Cultural influences on Ottoman art

Historical and political factors

• Conquest of Constantinople in 1453 marked a turning point in Ottoman art
  • Led to incorporation of Byzantine architectural elements and artistic traditions
  • Resulted in the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque
• Centralized power of Ottoman sultans significantly influenced artistic production
  • Sultans acted as patrons of the arts, commissioning grand projects
  • Established imperial workshops (Ehl-i Hiref) to foster skilled artisans
• Multicultural nature of the Ottoman Empire contributed to artistic diversity
  • Spanned three continents, incorporating various cultural influences
  • Resulted in a fusion of Turkish, Persian, Arab, and European styles

Religious and diplomatic influences

• Religious ideology shaped design and decoration of mosques
  • Concept of Ottoman sultan as caliph influenced architectural symbolism
  • Led to the development of the "classical Ottoman mosque" style
• Trade routes facilitated artistic exchange with other empires
  • Interactions with Safavid Persia influenced carpet and textile designs
  • Diplomatic relations with Mughal India inspired miniature painting techniques
• European artistic trends impacted later Ottoman art
  • Baroque and Rococo styles influenced 18th-century Ottoman architecture
  • Western painting techniques adopted in court portraiture

Synthesis of artistic traditions in Ottoman art

Architectural fusion

• Ottoman architectural style synthesized central-plan Byzantine church with Islamic dome structures
  • Exemplified by works of architect Mimar Sinan (Süleymaniye Mosque)
  • Resulted in the distinctive "four semi-domes" mosque layout
• Turkish and Ottoman art incorporated Byzantine mosaic techniques into Islamic tile work
  • Led to development of the Iznik ceramic tradition
  • Created intricate floral and geometric patterns on building interiors

Artistic amalgamation

• Ottoman miniature painting blended Persian influences with Byzantine and Western European conventions
  • Incorporated realistic architectural depictions from Byzantine art
  • Adopted color palettes and figural styles from Persian miniatures
• Turkish carpet designs integrated Central Asian motifs with Islamic geometric patterns
  • Combined Turkic animal motifs with Arabic calligraphy
  • Developed unique styles (Ushak carpets, Hereke silk rugs)
• Development of Turkish calligraphy merged Islamic traditions with local innovations
  • Created the Tughra (imperial signature) as a distinct art form
  • Evolved the Diwani script for official documents

Impact of Ottoman art on the world

Architectural influence

• Ottoman mosque design influenced Islamic architecture throughout the empire and beyond
  • Spread to the Balkans (Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo)
  • Influenced North African mosque architecture (Ketchaoua Mosque in Algiers)
• Turkish approach to urban planning featuring kulliye complexes influenced city development
  • Inspired the creation of mosque-centered social institutions
  • Influenced urban layouts in conquered territories (Budapest, Cairo)

Artistic and cultural legacy

• Iznik ceramics had a lasting impact on Islamic decorative arts
  • Continues to influence modern design and pottery techniques
  • Inspired European porcelain production (Delftware)
• Turkish carpet designs and weaving techniques spread globally
  • Became highly prized in European markets (Holbein carpets)
  • Influenced Western decorative arts and textile production
• Ottoman calligraphic styles were adopted throughout the Islamic world
  • Diwani script used in official documents across the Middle East
  • Influenced development of regional calligraphic styles
• Prestige of Ottoman art led to its emulation in European Orientalist art
  • Inspired paintings by European artists (Jean-Léon Gérôme)
  • Influenced 19th-century European architecture (Brighton Pavilion)