DAILY LIFE IN ISTANBUL DURING OTTOMAN ERA AND ITS REFLECTIONS ON TURKISH ART OF PAINTING BEFORE THECONTEMPORARY PERIOD

Abstract

The art of miniature of which growth can be traced back in Turkish art of painting after the conquest of Istanbul, from 17th century on, starts to acquire daily life more often as its subject. 18th century Turkish art, in parallel with the social structure of the age, was in the dilemma of East vs. West. Major miniature master of the period Levni and Bukhari who came after him reflected the world view of this period, that on its own represents the whole age, spectacular life style of Istanbul and they lead the art of the period. Rise in the number of artists coming to Ottoman soil in 18th and 19th century is a remarkable point. Works of these artists qualify as documents carrying the daily life of Istanbul to present. And with Tanzimat (a series of reforms), Ottoman painting emerged as works of artists who were raised in military schools with Western education or civilian artists.