Highlights
Important Architects Who Left Their Mark in Istanbul
When it comes to the architecture of Istanbul, it is impossible not to mention them. The legendary family of our architectural history who left their mark on the 19th century of Ottoman architecture in art history and architecture. The special architects of the Ottoman state: Balyan Family.
Who are the Balyan Family?
The Balyan Family, known as an Armenian family from Kayseri, created some of Istanbul's finest works between the 18th and 19th centuries. Four successive generations of fathers, sons and brothers, almost all of them served as palace architects in the Ottoman state. Moreover, they bear the title of being the first special architect in Ottoman history. Kirkor Balyan and Senekerim Balyan were the first generation. The second generation is Kirkor's son Garabet Balyan. They designed many of the palaces, mosques, mansions, barracks, hospitals, etc. built in the last period of the Ottoman period. The architectural style generally used by the Balyan Family is a mixture of the Ottoman classical period architectural style and the Turkish baroque architectural style.
Important Works in Istanbul
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, undoubtedly one of the most well-known works of the Balyan Family, was designed by Garabet Balyan and Nikoğos Balyan using the Baroque architectural style. Built in 1843, the palace was completed in 1856.
Ciragan Palace
Çırağan Palace, which we are mesmerized by its external majesty when we see it, also belongs to the Balyan Family. Nikoğos Balyan was the architect and Sarkis Balyan and Hagop Balyan were the engineers. Çırağan Palace, which is almost a trace left by the Balyan Family in Istanbul, was designed in Baroque architectural style, just like Dolmabahçe Palace. In 1863, the construction of the palace started and was completed in 1867.
Ortakoy Mosque
Ortaköy Mosque, which accompanies the exquisite Bosphorus view in Ortaköy, is next. The mosque, which has become the symbol of the Ortaköy neighborhood and a meeting point in Ortaköy, was built by Sultan Abdülmecit for the architect Nikoğos Balyan. Built in 1853, this majestic mosque is a fine example of Neo Baroque architectural style.
Kuleli Military High School
Another important architectural structure that accompanies the sea view is the Kuleli Military High School. It was designed by Garaber Amira Balyan during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamit.
Galatasaray University
Galatasaray University, also known as Galata Palace, was designed by architect Sarkis Balyan in 1871.
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