#13 - Ottoman Art

How did the art of the Ottomans compare to others nearby?

by Sam Green

Many Ottoman architectural buildings were inspired by many other cultures and traditions, including the Byzantine, Persian, and the Islamic Mamluk traditions. The Ottoman buildings (many being mosques) contain unique architectural styles that can be seen in Byzantine styles, such as vast inner spaces covered by weightless domes. The buildings included square dome planes, large circular domes, vaults, corner minarets, small and numerous windows, and high columns. The Ottoman mosques were beautiful sanctuaries and gave perfect harmony and balance between inner and outer spaces. They all give a beautiful mixture of lightness and darkness on a perfect balance. Throughout the empire, the buildings remained uniform and unchanging with the styles of architecture. The style later fused with European style buildings in the 19th Century as rebuilding programs begin to flourish.

Many of the Mughal buildings in architectural history have Persian origin and can be found in the Indian subcontinent. Its style easily found its way in to local Indian architecture and influenced many builders around its area. The buildings are symmetrical and most tombs and other buildings are, in the majority, made of marble. They include many archways (usually found at the entrance) and have large domes, relating to the Ottoman Empire. The shapes of the domes are sometimes given the name “onion domes” due to its shape. The buildings include many columns and roofs that allow light to leak in from the top. The spires on the buildings are extremely decorative, and give an emphasis on how tall the domes are. The domes are usually gilded, which mixes Hindustani and Persian traditional decorative elements to the architecture. One of the Mughal architecture’s most prevalent characteristics is the symmetry.