Reflections of the Ottoman Period of Westernization in Religious Architecture: Facade Arrangement of the Balyan Mosques

Abstract

The conceptualization of Western architecture became a prominent force in Ottoman architecture with the advent of the period of westernization that started at the beginning of the eighteenth century during the Tulip Era (1718-1730). The most important cultural dynamic that changed the course of Ottoman architecture was the imported architectural styles that originated in Europe. Welcoming the western influence became a state policy that persevered throughout the nineteenth century. In this century, the western-based architectural perspective of the Armenian-Ottoman Balyan Family came to the forefront. The Balyan Family of architects created an original architectural language by blending the elements of western and traditional architecture, justifiably imprinting their stamp on the Ottoman architecture of the nineteenth century. While predominantly producing civil and official buildings, the Balyan Family's mosques also stood out in this period with their new design features. This article seeks to present and analyze the arrangements and elements of the facades of eight mosques built by the Balyan Family in the 19th century, namely the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, Küçük Mecidiye Mosque, Dolmabahçe Mosque, Nusretiye Mosque, Yıldız Hamidiye Mosque, Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque, Teşvikiye Mosque, and Sadabad Mosque.