Bosphorus Waterside Residences & Bridges

A few of the waterside residences which gained importance due to their architecture, ornamentation and their historical characteristics are given below:
Amcazade Huseyin Pasha Waterside Residence (Anadolu Hisarı): It is the oldest waterside residence of Bosphorus (1699). It is the residence of Amcazade Huseyin Pasha, Grand Vizier of Sultan Mustafa II. Its pooled T-shaped hall has remained to our days. It was built 300 years ago. It is painted red and ornamented with original examples of Turkish decorative arts.
Serifler Waterside Residence (Emirgan) (1782): Only part still standing today is the reception kiosk. Ceiling and wall decorations are of western influenced examples of the l9th century.
Count Ostrorog Waterside Residence (Kandilli): Built at the beginning of l9 Th. century and it belongs to Count Leon Valerien of Poland origin (1900). The Count who was the legal advisor to the Ottoman Empire used to live here with his son, the residence has been protected with a great care to our days.
Cypriot Mehmet Emin Pasha Waterside Residence (Kandilli): Facade of the building facing the Bosphorus is 63 meters. The building which has a large forest and a pooled garden behind was built in 1 840.
Sadullah Pasha Waterside Residence (Cengelkoy): Sadullah Pasha who served as a grand vizier of Sultan Murat V and Abdulhamid II is a constitutionist general. Ochre painted residence is of oval gallons. It is one of the important residences dating back to 200 years.
Fethi Ahmet Pasha Waterside Residence (Kuzguncuk): It is known as the Pembe (Pink) Yalı or Mucanlar Yalısı. It is preserved with great care to our days.
Hekimbası Sadullah Efendi Waterside Residence (Anadolu Hisarı): A variety of plants have been grown in the back garden of ochre painted waterside residence (1895). Hekimbasi (Chief physician) used to make medicines out of these plants on herbs. Recently repaired building keeps all of its characteristics alive.
Bridges
Bostanci Basi Bridge: It is situated on the Bagdat Street in Bostanci. It was built out of cut stone in the name of Mahmud II between 1523 and 1524.
Buyukcekmece Bridge: Built by Architect Sinan between 1564 and 1568, it is a unique work of art formed of 4 separate bridges and have 7, 7.5 and 9 trusses. Kapıagası (Haramidere) Bridge: It is built over Haramidere creek between Kucuk Cekmece and Buyuk Cekmece lakes. It is one of Sinan's works built in the l6th century. It has two large and one small trusses. It has lost its originality in consequence of repairs.
Silivri Bridges: Architect Sinan has built two stone bridges in Silivri (1568), one of them is 48.5 m long, has three trusses and is located at the point of entry to Silivri, the other one is over the Silivri Stream and has 32 trusses with low round arch. After repair, it lost its originality.
Kucuk Cekmece Bridge: It is a work of Architect Acem Alisi built over Kucuk Cekmece lake in the l6th century. It was repaired in 1 735-1 861 .
Cobancesme Bridge: It was built over Ayamama Stream within Cobancesme nursery, in the north of the Topkapi-Londra motorway. (It has 6 trusses. Its date of construction is unknown.

Bazaars & Caravansarays
Auction rooms and antiquity markets (bedesten) built out of stone against fire constitute the master buildings of business life of the Ottoman Period in Istanbul, the busiest commercial center. Earliest example of these is the Inner Auction Room (Old Bazaar) made in the period of Mehmet II. Building is covered by fifteen domes seated on brick arches. The largest auction building of the Ottoman Architecture from the standpoint of number of domes is the Sandal Bedesteni (New Bazaar) annexed to inner auction room (it is covered by twenty domes seated on twelve feet)
The roads amongst the shops made of timber which take place around these auction rooms and antiquity markets are covered with vaults and thus today's market was formed. Later the inns in the vicinity were added to the covered bazaar (such as Sarnicli, Alipasa, Pagavraci, etc.). Generally, around large complexes, streets of one particular trade (arasta) were formed. Most famous example of these formations are the streets behind the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Now this place is called Sipahiler (Cavalrymen) Market. Arasta of the Yenivalide Complex is the Spice Market (Misir Carsisi).
The Covered Bazaar
Covered bazaar which attracts the attention of everybody, domestic and foreign, is a building which has an important place in the economic and social life of the Ottoman Empire. The market has been formed of a combination of a few historical bedestens (auction rooms and antiquity markets). Old (inner) Bedesten and New Bedesten built in the period of Fatih (Mehmet II) are the most important parts. Inner Bedesten is 45.50x30 m and is covered by 15 domes. New Bedesten is 90x32 m and is covered by 20 domes. Damages caused by fires and earthquakes in the Covered Bazaar which became larger with additions made at later times were repaired. Handicrafts developed in Istanbul were densified here. Although it lost this characteristic, it stillkeeps its attractiveness.
Julie Pardue who came to this city in the l9th century states; "The market of Istanbul is one thousand and one night tale for Europeans. Neither the historical value of the hippodrome nor the earnest magnificence of Hagia Sophia is as interesting as the shopping area of this city situated among three seas. Istanbul Market shines like the magic lamp of Alaaddin."
Caravansarays
A great number of inns were built in the city starting with the period of Mehmet II. They are generally located between Eminonu- Unkapani, Beyazit-Sultanhamam and Beyazit-Aksaray.
The largest one of the inns is the Buyukvalide Hani. Other important inns are Rustem Pasha Hani, Zindan Hani, Leblebici Hani, Alipasa Hani, Cukur Cesme Hani, Cuhaci Hani and simkeshane Hani all built by Architect Sinan.
Among the Caravansaries which take place within large complexes, buildings annexed to the Beyazit Complex and Süleymaniye Complex are identified. Stable of the Caravanserai within the Beyazit Complex, today is being used as Beyazit State Library.

Fountains & Water Systems
Water System was repaired in the period of Mehmet II, and later repairs continued in the period of Süleyman I. A good number of dams were built to meet water requirement of the city. An example of this is the Maglova Dam.
In Istanbul, there are many examples of fountains as significant works of the Ottoman Architecture, there are more than four hundred inscripted fountains on the Rumelian (European) side. When others added thereto, figure rises to sevenhundred ninety- four. Some of these are adjacent to the walls of buildings. The oldest example thereof are: Davutpaþa Fountain (1559-1560)Sahruh Fountain in Fatih (15591560)-Karamustafa Pasha Fountain in Suleymaniye (1677-1678)Kazasker Esat Efendi Fountain in Kabatas caused to be repaired by Selim III.
Fountains of the Tulip Period gain more delicate appearances:
Ahmet III Fountain in Kagithane Fountains with Baroque influence were observed at the end of the Tulip Period: * Sultan Zeynep Fountain in Sirkeci The most monumental example of the Square Fountains are the fountains located in the area in front of Topkapi Palace, and Ahmet III fountain in Uskudar. Tophane Fountain of Mahmut I (1732) and German Fountain on Sultanahmet Square (1901 ) are foreign style monuments. Examples of the Charity Fountains which are rarely rendered outside Istanbul are Haci Ahmet Aða Charity Fountain in Dolmabahçe (1644) and Koca Yusuf Pasha Charity Fountain in Kabatas (1787).
Turkish Baths
In every complex in Istanbul, a bath was built. Most of these were of double-bath plan. The bath within the Mahmutpaþa Complex (1466) attracts attentions with its octagonal planned hot room. Beyazit bath is a monumental building remaining from the l6th century.
Important examples made by Architect Sinan are Çemberlitaþ and Haseki (Hagia Sophia) baths. Architect Sinan has built 23 baths in the city. Tiled Bath in Zeyrek, is noted for its tiles covering upper parts of walls with colorful decorated marbles, and the water-tank. Latest large sized bath of the city is the Caðaloðlu Bath near the underground cistern (1740).

Palaces & Fortresses

Palaces & Fortresses
First palace Mehmet II had built in Istanbul is the Eski Saray (The Old Palace) situated in Beyazit. Later, the Topkapi Palace was built (the New Palace) in Sarayburnu During the last period of Ottoman Empire a great many palaces were built on Bosphorus. First example is the Kavak Palace in Uskudar which was demolished during construction of Selimiye Military Barracks. Very many mansion houses were built on both Sides of the Bosphorus. These mansions were demolished during the periods of Sultan Abdulmecit and Abdulaziz and were replaced by buildings foreign to Ottoman style, imitating European Palaces.
Sahil (Seaside) Palace built in Besiktas in the period of Mahmut II was made demolished by Abdulmecit and replaced by the Dolmabahce Palace (1818-1856).
Beylerbeyi Palace on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus is a summer Palace (1865). Ciragan Palace residence of the Sultan caused to be built by Abdulaziz (1863-1871 ) was left uncared after the 1910 fire. In 1988, attempts of converting it into a hotel were completed and serves as five star Hotel now.
Yildiz Palace to which attention was attached and used especially by Abdulhamit II is also formed of the Sale, the Malta and the Cadýr Kiosks, armory and porcelain shops added to the surroundings of the kiosk by the mother of Sultan Selim III.
Aynalý Kavak Summer Palace on the shores of the Golden Horn was caused to be built by Mehmet II. It was built in place of the Dockyard Palace. It was decorated with mirrors presented by Venetians in the period of Ahmet III.
Göksu Summer Palace on the Anatolian side, Tophane Summer Palace in Tophane and Ihlamur Summer Palace in Besiktas are mentioned among the mansions the Sultans caused to be built for short term accommodation and hunting. Still there are the remains of the Kalender Summer Palace, caused to be built by Abdulaziz. Most significant property of the Sadabat Summer palace in Kagithane, caused to be built by Head Vizier Damat Ibrahim Pasha, in the water system built with artificial canals supplied with waters brought from the Kagithane creek.
Topkapi Palace
The first Ottoman Palace after 1453 is in Beyazid, completed and attained its present appearance in 1850 with continuing additions made through centuries. The palace covering surface area of 700,000 m2 is composed of a good number of mansions, kiosks, governmental departments, barracks, mosque, library and the large kitchen.
It has been the Ottoman ruling focus for a period of 400 years. It turned over its functions to the Dolmabahce Palace in 1853, however it housed the old Sultan families till Republican period. The palace, which was opened to visits of foreigners with a special permission during last periods of the Sultanate, was converted to a museum upon the order of Ataturk (1924).
Fortresses
Anatolian Fortress: It was built in the period of Beyazit I to control sea transport of Byzantium (end of l4th century). Mehmet II had Rumelian Fortress built on the opposite shore. These two fortresses stopping the aids which would be sent to Byzantium from the Black Sea lost their significance after the conquest. Later, they were used as prisons. Mehmet II after capturing the city, has ordered the construction of Yedikule Fortresses in Altinkapi (1457-1458). This fortress was shaped like a star. Ottoman treasury was protected here for a while, afterwards, it was used as a prison. Only six towers of the fortress remain today

Tombs & Graves

Tombs & Graves
Tombs and graves form one of the most interesting groups of Turkish period architecture in Istanbul. First examples belong to those who died during the Arab siege. Some are the tombs made for the saints Ebülvefa, Sümbül Efendi, Merkez Efendi, Karacaahmet, etc. Ottoman Sultans were buried in tombs within the complexes established in their names, and in their vicinity tombs were made for their relatives. Tombs are the imitations of the Green Tomb in Bursa. In Tombs made by Architect Sinan different schemes are rendered.
Kanuni Sultan Suleyman's tomb (1566) located in the courtyard of Suleymaniye mosque is an interesting work of Architect Sinan; Tomb of Mehmet V in Eyup, a work of Architect Kemalettin, is of new classical style. The Tomb of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha (1541 ) in Besiktas is one of the first works of Architect Sinan. Among his other important tombs, Ayazpasa, Mustafapasa, Mimar Sinan, Sinanpasa, Gazanferaga tombs may be pointed out.
Graves
Graveyards, especially in Istanbul are full of grave stones qualified as the works of art. They are the historical land register logs, archived documents and life stories of the city. These graveyards with grave stones in varying forms, decorations and inscriptions appear as open air museums.
Graveyards each resembling a cypress forest in the midst of last century have not reached our days. Graveyards of today are Edirnekapi, Topkapi, Bakirkoy, Eyup graveyards on the European side; Karacaahmet, Sahrayicedit, Pendik, Kucukyali, Kupluce, Kanlica on the Asian side and Kasimpasa, Zincirlikuyu and Ferikoy graveyards in Beyoglu (Pera). There are also, Orthodox-Catholic, Protestant, Jacobite, Syrian Christian private graveyards and Jewish graveyards in .

Medresses & Libraries

Medresses & Libraries
A good number of madrassahs either within complexes or independently were established in Istanbul, cultural and education center of Ottoman Empire and Islamic World. First and large complex madrassahs were:
Semaniye and Tetimme madrassahs located in a symmetrical arrangement within the Fatih Complex. Second important example is;
Composed of 19 spaces within the Beyazid Complex. The First and Second and additionally,Fourth and Fifth madrassahs are situated were.
The madrassah in Sultan Ahmed Complex is a classical example formed of domed rooms taking place in the perimeter of central courtyard.
The madrassah within the Nuruosmaniye Complex is very large.
The madrassah within the Abdulhamit I Complex is a two-storied independent building. Charity fountains, mesjids (mosques without minaret) libraries, tombs are additionally annexed to independent madrassahs.
Gazanferaga (1599)
Kuyucu Murat Pasha (1606)
Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Pasha (1682-1690)
Çorlulu Ali Pasha (1708)
Rustem Pasha (1550) madrassah is pointed out as an example among madrassahs of single building.
Libraries
Establishment of libraries in the Ottoman Empire, independent or as a part of Complexes started in the l7th century. The oldest example known among the libraries which have the quality of a foundation is the Köprülü Library (1661). There is a library also within the Amcazade Huseyin Pasha Complex.
Among the Libraries taking place in a mosque, like one made in Baroque style separated by cast bronze banisters, which is located next to the Suleymaniye Mosque can be mentioned (1751- 1752).
It is observed that decoration in library architecture densifies in the l8th century Libraries such as Feyzullah Efendi in Fatih, Sehit Ali Pasha in Vefa (1715), Mahmut I in Ayasofya and Atif Efendi in Vefa are the examples of this kind.
The Library Mustafa Efendi had made in Sultanhamam (1741 and 1742) is converted to a business place. Latest examples of Large Complexes are Nuruosmaniye and Hamidiye Libraries.

Ottoman Complexes
Eyup Sultan Complex: It is situated near the Eyup Quay. It is important from the standpoint of being the first building Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror had built after the conquest of Istanbul.It was built in the name of Ebu Eyyub el-Ensari in 1458.
Fatih Complex:The Complex constructed by Architect Sinan'i Atik in 1462-1463- 1470 form the first step of Imperial Complexes. The mosque constitutes the center of the complex. Fatih Complex has been the leader of the classical Ottoman Complexes both from the standpoint of its monumental view and symmetrical arrangement of its buildings.
Mahmut Pasha Complex:It is situated in Mahmutpasa. Sadrazam (Grand Vizier) Mahmut Pasha had Architect Sinan'i Atik built it between 1462-1467.
Davud Pasha Complex: It is situated in Davutpasa. Davut Pasha had it built in 1485.
Atik Ali Pasha Complex: It is located in Cemberlitas. Atik Ali Pasha had it built between 1486-1497. It determines the transition to Reverse T planned style.
Beyazid II Complex: It was built between 1501 -1506. Beyazid II had it built in the Beyazid Square. The complex gained importance from the standpoint of being a commercial and cultural center. Its architect is Yakub Sah bin Sultan Sah. Main dome of the mosque is supported by two half domes and on the sides each by four small domes thus a more developed cover system has been achieved.
Sultan Selim Complex: It is built in Sultanselim on one of the hills dominating the Golden Horn. It is estimated to have been initiated by Architect Acem Ali in the period of Sultan Selim I and completed by Architect Sinan in the period of Kanuni in 1552.
Piri Mehmed Pasha Complex: It is located in Silivri. Piri Mehmed Pasa had Architect Sinan built it between 1530-1531.
Mihrimah Sultan Complex: It is situated in the quay square in Uskudar. Sultan Mihrimah had it built by architect Sinan in 1546-1548.
Sehzade Complex: Caravanserai is on the road to Vefa High School. It was built between 1543-1548. It caused the Ottoman architecture to attain a new dimension. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman (the Magnificent) had it built by Architect Sinan. It is one of the three big monuments reflecting development stages of the artist. A central structure was attained by supporting the main dome by four half domes on sides and one small dome at each corner.
Suleymaniye Complex: Suleymaniye complex which Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent had Architect Sinan built between 1550-1557 is the most important imperial building. The complex has been the symbol of the classical period due to abundance of buildings and skill in positioning the buildings and architectural order as well as its economic and cultural functions. Süleymaniye mosque, with Sinan's expression, symbolizes the foremanship period of his own and of the Ottoman architecture. Central dome in the main space of the building is supported by half domes in the north and the south and by adding triangular domed sections in varying dimensions in the east and the west, thus, a bright and spacious internal appearance in obtained.
Haseki Complex: It is situated in Haseki. Sultan's favorite wife Hurrem Sultan had it built by architect Sinan in 1551.
Hadim Ibrahim Pasha Complex: It is situated in Topkapi. It is a building constructed by Architect Sinan. Upon death of Kara Ahmet Pasha, it remained incomplete and was completed between 1555-1558.
Mihrimah Sultan Complex: It is situated in Edirnekapi. It was built by Architect Sinan in the midst of l6th century.
Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Complex: It is situated in Buyukçekmece and built by Architect Sinan in 1563.
Zal Mahmud Pasha Complex: It is situated in Eyup. Zal Mahmud Pasha had Architect Sinan built it in the midst of the l6th century. Sokullu Complex: It is situated in Kadirga. It is one of the most beautiful works of Architect Sinan. It was built in 1571.
Semsi Pasha Complex: It is situated at the right side of the Uskudar Quay. Semsi Pasha had it built by Architect Sinan in 1580.
Kilic Ali Pasha Complex: It is situated in the Topkapi Square. Fleet Commander Kilic Ali Pasha had Architect Sinan built it in 1580.
Old Valide Sultan Complex: It is situated in Topkapi, Uskudar. It was built by Architect Sinan in the name of Sultan Nurbani between 1577-1 583.
Cerrahpasa Complex: It is situated in Cerrahpasa. Surgeon Mehmed Pasha had Architect Davud Aga built it between 1593-1594.
New Valide Sultan Complex: It is situated in the Eminonu Square. It is the last classical style complex of the city. Sultan Safiye had Architect Davud Aga built it in 1597.
Sultan Ahmed Complex: Ahmed I had commissioned Sedefkar Mehmet Aga for the construction of the complex. Head architect had difficulties in finding a suitable place, so pulled down the villas and mansions situated in front of Hagia Sophia and foundation of the complex was laid down in 1609. It was completed in 1617 after the death of Ahmed I. It is a master work which illustrates the characteristics of the Ottoman architecture. Despite the fact that it is in classical style, it occupies an important place in Turkish architecture with the novelties it has introduced. Here Sinan, has taken Þehzade mosque as an example. It is different with its main dome seated on four chamfered columns and with half domed spaces carried by sharp pointed arches on the sides. All of its walls are covered with Iznik (Nicaea) tiles. Therefore, it is also called as "Blue Mosque".
Cinili (Tiled) Complex: It is situated in Uskudar. Kosem Lahpeyker Sultan had it constructed by Architect Kasim Aga in 1640. Building as a whole is covered with tiles.
Koprulu Complex: It is situated in Divanyolu street. Koprulu Mehmed Pasha had it built in 1661.
Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Pasha Complex: It is situated in Divanyolu street. It was initiated by Merzifonlu Pasha in 1681 and after his death was completed by his son Damat Ali Paþa in 1690.
Amcazade Huseyin Pasha Complex: It is situated in Sarachanebasi, Fatih. Amcazade Huseyin Pasha had it built in 1700.
New Valide Complex: Sultan Emetullah, mother of Ahmed III, had it built on the quay square in Uskudar between 1708-1710.
Corlulu Ali Pasha Complex: Ali Pasha from Corlu had it built in Carsikapi between 1707- 1708.
Damad Ibrahim Pasha Complex: General Damad Ibrahim from Nevsehir had it built in Sehzadebasi in 1720.
Hekimoglu Ali Pasa Complex: It is situated in Davutpasa. It was built by Architect Haci Mustafa and Ömer Aga in 1 734.
Nuruosmaniye Complex: It is located in Nuruosmaniye, Carsikapi. Sultan Mahmud I had it initiated in 1748 and it was completed by Architect Mustafa Aga and Foreman Simon in 1755 during the period of Osman III.
Laleli Complex: It was initiated in Laleli in 1759 in the period of Mustafa III and completed in 1763. It was built by Architect Mehmed Tahir Aga in Baroque style.
Abdulhamid I Complex: It is situated in Bahcekapi. Its construction was initiated between 1775-1776 in the period of Abdülhamid I and completed in 1789. Its architecture is Mehmed Tahir Aga.
Kucuk Efendi Complex: Sheikh Muhammed Abdurresid had it built in Yedikule in 1825.