In terms of my research project on Ottoman Architecture, things are going well. I started on a new book called 1453 by Roger Crowley. This book is about the fall of Constantinople and the birth of Istanbul under Ottoman rule. I really enjoy this book because, instead of reading from an informational book that tends to usually be dry, this is written as a story which is beneficial because, not only do I hope to get his opinions, but it will keep me engaged and eager to learn. From this book, I hoped to find some of the Byzantine influences in Istanbul and how this changed the Ottomans view on architecture. Also, it will help me understand the defensive fortifications that the Byzantines used and that the Ottomans (I would hope) have improved on to make sure that no one else takes their great city. Plus, it will help me understand the points of view of both the Byzantines under the rule of Emperor Constantine XI and the Ottomans under the rule of Sultan Mehmet II.
Though I am not exactly far into the book, I already have some information I can be able to use for my paper. One of the most reoccurring references in the book is the layout of the city and the army camps. In the book, he describes why certain fortifications were made, why certain buildings were at their present location, and to describe how the buildings had to gear up for the siege and the preparations each made. Another interesting subject of information (that I didn't even consider) is the Churches and Mosques. In the novel, the author describes a specific Church of Constantinople and how it changes to be a Ottoman Mosque. An example of this transformation is the Hagia Sophia, a once prized Byzantine landmark that eventually becomes the ultimate landmark for the Ottomans by just setting up 4 minarets and some interior work to make it a true Islamic building. Also, the book vividly mentions the value of seaways and the precautions needed to properly use and protect them. I found this topic quite interesting for it stressed the importance of sea trade on Constantinople's economy and the fact that they had a chain to prevent invaders from entering the seaways! Lastly, another main topic that I should put into my paper from what I have learned in my reading so far is the little Genoese town of Galata. I always knew that Galata was a famous tower in Istanbul, but I never would've expected it to be its own little city state. That seems remarkable to me and I am now curious to see if the Ottomans also picked up on Italian motifs in the architecture as well.
Overall, this book is providing me with a multitude of subtopics that would greatly enrich my paper. Though it could be more descriptive on the key buildings, I still find this book a valuable source to my research. Hopefully, as I read more, I can be able to figure out more about the original layout of Constantinople and eventually learn of the Ottoman invasion on the city.
Bill, you sound like you know a fair amount about architecture from the book, and I think it is interesting that you found some much information in a non-traditional resource. The fact that the Ottomans designated a tower as a city state shows how much the value it as an art form and science. When you are focusing your paper, do you think that you will look more to the layout of the infrastructure or the actual buildings themselves? Will you look at religious influences at all? Based on your research thus far, what do you think their architecture reflects about their society/ way of life? All in all, through, well-constructed post!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you found a book that will give you information and you're interested in reading. Nice find. It sounds like you know what you are talking about and will have a very descriptive and informative essay. It's good that you have an idea of what you are missing and have goals. Keep it up!
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