Just as Byzantine architecture is synonymous to church buildings and Christianity, Ottoman architecture is analogous to mosques and Islam. This article explores the rise and evolution of the Ottoman era, alongside its architecture, which is classified under Islamic architecture.

Ottoman architecture evolved with the 600-year rule of the Ottoman empire, which was predominantly in present-day Turkey. However, the influence of this era spread alongside its architecture to neighboring regions like Tunisia, Algiers, Egypt and Hungary. Today, Ottoman architectural relics and influence has spread all over the world, especially in Muslim-dominated areas.

Ottoman architecture was ironically influenced by the Byzantine architecture that preceded it. The Ottomans may not have liked the Byzantines or Christianity, but they were enamored enough by their architecture to copy its style, especially the major distinctive feature of Byzantine buildings – the dome. This explains why most mosques, if not all, have domed roofs. Another source of influence to Ottoman architecture is the Seljuk architecture of Anatolia.

The Ottoman architectural style evolved under three phases, which are: Early Ottoman period, Classical Ottoman period and the Westernization period.

We’ll discuss the Ottoman architectural era under these three phases.

EARLY OTTOMAN PERIOD

This period spanned between the 9 th century and the 15 th century, from about 1299 to 1453. This period saw the rapid rise of mosques, which was and is still the most striking feature of this architectural style. All through the Ottoman empire, architects and builders experimented and continuously developed modifications and improvements to mosques.

In this Early Ottoman period, there were three types of mosques prevalent in the Ottoman Empire, which are, the tiered mosque, the single dome and subtly angled mosques. Most buildings from this period are domed and have a central plan structure, hinting of the Byzantine influence. Another distinctive feature of mosques in this period was that they had exterior facades of windows and gates, which again highlights the influence of Byzantine architecture on Ottoman architecture.

One of the first examples of the Ottoman single dome mosque is the Haci Ozbek mosque in Iznik, while the Holy Mosque in Bursa was the first Seljuk mosque to be converted to a domed one.

CLASSICAL PERIOD

This period falls within the 11 th century and the 17 th . Most of the quintessential buildings ascribed to Ottoman architecture that are still standing today are traced back to the Classical period. This period also strongly reflects that Byzantine influence, especially that of the Hagia Sophia in Turkey. Many mosques in this period were built similar to the Hagia Sophia, save some distinctions like different proportions, openings, colonnades and interiors.

In this period, mosques were now built with interior and exterior courtyards. All buildings had clean and logical plans and elevations. Every part was designed with emphasis on detail and its functionality to the entire structure. A key characteristic of this phase of Ottoman architecture was emphasis on detail and hierarchy in the function of every element.

The iconic central dome of the Early Ottoman period was retained, as well as series of hall domes, buttresses and minarets. Ottoman architecture traditionally consisted of stone (used for the foundation), brick (for the arches) and domes, vaults and wood for the decorative and structural purposes.

In the classical period, some of the features included capped domes and minarets, and marble was replaced by polychrome glazed tiles made of ceramic and Izinik tiles of blue and white. In the mosques, the central dome covered the prayer hall. During the classical period, the size of the central dome increased in size, receiving support by half domes and small domes.

The architect behind almost all buildings of this classical Ottoman period, especially in the 16th century, was Miman Sinan. He is credited with the design if 334 buildings in various cities. His works bothered on simplicity, character and open space that balanced the heavily-built structures.

Sinan developed a new unification and harmony of various architectural elements and influences which had been earlier absorbed by different structures of Ottoman architecture, but which had never been united into a collective whole.

This era saw the most growth of mosques and complexes, such as the Selimiye mosque and Süleymaniye complex, both notable works of Sinan that have stood strong despite multiple earthquakes.

WESTERNIZATION PERIOD

In this era, the Ottoman architectural style was largely imparted by Western influences like Baroque and Rococo, which resulted in more ornamental and decorative elements. This period is referred to as the Ottoman revival period because the architectural style utilized modern construction techniques and materials such as reinforced concrete, iron, steel and glass.

This period, however, did not deviate a lot from previous structures of past Ottoman periods as it also retained other elements of traditional architecture despite the Western influences. Therefore, the pointed arches, tile decoration, wide roof overhangs with brackets and domes were not lost.

In areas like Iran and Azerbaijan, their architects also tried incorporating the local architecture of the regions into the Ottoman revival. Geometric designs were adorned with colored stone, exotic wood and gold. This period also incorporated calligraphy.

Generally, Ottoman architecture was influenced by the ‘Paradise Garden’ concept which was reflected in the way the buildings were designed in a way that connected art with the spaces of everyday life. There was harmony between nature and the architecture, for instance, trees were planted alongside streets beside mosques as a balancing element between the massive architectural structures and nature and open spaces.

The plan for Ottoman cities ensured that they were built to look like extensions of the piece of land they were built on. Nature’s influence is magnified in the detailed geometry and decorative patterns, mosque ceilings, palace walls, summer palaces and frescoes of the Ottoman structures.

Also, in the Ottoman era, the foundations and ground floors of private houses were constructed using stone, and houses were planned around a central gallery room surrounded by other rooms. The basis for which the rooms were divided was on the parts that could be visited by guests and the parts for family members.

The Ottoman architecture beautiful depicts the harmony and balance between nature and architecture.