Author(s)

S. F. Yagci

Abstract

Turkish houses with their own characteristics related to the architectural elements and spatial construct manifest differentiating examples over the centuries. From the 18th century, traces of the European styles steadily reflected to the Turkish houses. On the period between late 19th century and early 20th century, the effects of these styles were intense on the wooden residential architecture. With its pluralist and progressive feature, interactive relations were extensive in the last Ottoman capital Istanbul. Consequently, a great diversity in wooden houses had occurred. This variety of styles was exposed on the choices of architectural elements. Having a significant effect on both the façade image and the spatial organization, roof is one of the architectural elements expressing explicitly the European influence on the Ottoman wooden houses of Istanbul. There are many examples of roof types dissimilar to the classical Ottoman houses like pointed and steep roofs, cross or T shaped ones and even the roofs with curvilinear forms. Besides the distinctness in shape organizations of the roofs, the insertions of windows, balconies, ornaments and decoration elements were also developed. Another issue reflecting the western style is the tower designed with roof structure which signifies the architectural approach. Wooden houses under the effect of European styles are generally found in the country side or summer houses and the new settlements of their period. In this work, the European influence on the timber residential architecture in Istanbul with a special emphasize on the roof styles will be presented. Apart from the general information about this wooden housing heritage with different forms, structural system and usage of the materials will also be discussed.

Keywords

Ottoman wooden houses, roof, European influence, Istanbul timber houses, late 19th century