The Case of Idealization During the Transition from the Classical Period to Westernization in Ottoman Architecture and Its Comparison with Western Architecture

Abstract

This study discusses how the tradition of idealization based on the drawings and texts in Western architecture was handled in Ottoman architecture. From the 16th century forward the traditional Ottoman architectural culture was one founded on ideal types. However, these types were not based on historically ideal essences as was the case in the West. While the Ottoman architectural culture was based on advanced and diverse popular types, these types were not determined according to the criteria of an ideal period in the past. For this reason, the traditional Ottoman architecture was open to every type of innovation, provided that it was not contrary to the existing structure of culture and appreciation, as there simply was no notion of an ideal past which served to limit innovations in architecture; rather it was based on current time. In short, this study examines the basic differences between the traditional Ottoman and Western architectural cultures and presents the idealizations of the former as they related to the past.