An Evaluation of the Ottoman City from the Perspective of Anatolian Cities

Abstract

This study focuses on Anatolian cities in the Ottoman Empire and addresses the spatial situation of the cities. During the approximately 600-year reign of the Ottoman state, different ethnic, religious and cultural structures lived under one roof. Therefore, while Turks were the principal element, Ottoman cities hosted many different social groups. Since the Anatolian cities, the main centers of Ottoman cities, were densely populated with ethnic Turks, the concept of Turkish city was also used in this study from time to time. During this period, Turks living in Anatolia formed an urban culture based on the Islamic religion as well.

In this study, the place and importance of spatial areas that formed Ottoman cities in Ottoman society were questioned. It was discussed how these structures emerged in the Ottoman city architecture and why such a structure was needed. Data in this study was collected from secondary sources and information was examined with the literature review technique.  Moreover, first, discussions were made on the basis of urban theories in order to better understand Ottoman cities in a spatial context. Then, basic information was given about the social structure that formed Ottoman urbanities. It was discussed which classes the Ottoman society consisted of. Subsequently, how the Ottoman cities emerged in Anatolia, how they were formed spatially and the settlement patterns of the cities were examined.

There were many structures in this settlement pattern. Within the scope of the study; basic structures such as castles, mosques, bazaars and markets, foundations and neighborhoods were briefly examined as examples. Because today, some of these structures continue to provide public services in Anatolian lands. These works have become an inseparable part of today's cities as a cultural heritage. In fact, it can be stated that many changes in administrative, economic, cultural, social, and demographic contexts were experienced in the lands of a state that ruled for approximately 600 years. These changes were reflected in the spatial structures of the cities to different extents. For example, the development of smaller cities such as Kırşehir and Kütahya in Anatolia, compared to large cities such as Istanbul and Bursa, took place differently depending on many variables. However, within the scope of this study, it was taken as a basis that the structures in the cities were generally formed around the same structures. In addition, this study included a critical approach to the academic literature on the spatial structures of Anatolian cities. In this case, it has been revealed that Ottoman cities not only had their current situations but also had deficiencies in terms of public service provision and spatial structures. Thus, a critical approach can be seen in the study.

As a result of the study, it has been concluded that the spatial structures in the Ottoman city center are a reflection of Ottoman city life and culture. In this process, it has been seen that Ottoman city culture was influenced by Islamic values and it has been determined that the foundations of the first Ottoman city culture were laid especially during the Seljuk state period. Finally, it has been seen that Ottoman city structures played a leading role in the development of social and economic life. Thus, the relations between the state and society have developed significantly in the spatial structures of Anatolian cities. It is expected that this study will contribute to those who conduct research in the fields of Ottoman history, art history, city/urban studies and civilization history.