THE IMPORTED TILES AND ARCHITECTURAL CERAMICS USED IN 19-20th CENTURY ISTANBUL'S BUILDINGS

Abstract

European societies created a model for the modernization period that began in the Ottoman state during the period known as Westernization in the 19th century. The traditional city texture of Istanbul changed with the construction of new building types, in particular after the reform era of Tanzimat. These new buildings reflecting the design concept of western architecture were built using modern materials and construction techniques. The Ottoman State stayed dependent on the industrial goods made in Europe due to its conservative structure. For this reason, many different building materials had been imported from countries such as Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and Austria in the 19th century. Paving bricks, encaustic tiles and architectural ceramics are the decorative materials that have been imported and used in the bathrooms and service places of palaces, kiosks and mansions reflecting neo-classical and art-nouveau styles. The names of importers are published in the 19th century Ottoman trade almanacs. The interventions undertaken due to the needs of modern times have damaged these imported materials. Such original materials should be documented and conserved during restorations and renovations.