Ottoman Culture
Established at the end of the 13th century, the Ottoman Empire lasted until after World War I. A Turkish empire that brought together Islamic, Arabic and Persian culture, at one time it spanned three continents. The Ottoman Empire was at its height in the 16th century under the rule of Suleyman the Magnificent. Ottoman culture is reflected in the arts, architecture, music, technology and cuisine at the height of the empire.
Other People Are Reading
-
Arts
-
Because Islam restricts artists from depicting the human form, art in the Ottoman Empire developed along very different lines than art in other parts of the world. Art in Western culture evolved from representations of the physical world. In Ottoman art, geometric patterns in which color, line and balance are critical. Writing was very important in the Ottoman Empire, and as such calligraphy developed as the most significant form of art. The art of silk textile production, embroidery and carpet-making was also highly advanced in the Ottoman Empire.
Architecture
-
The distinctive architecture of the Ottoman Empire was influenced by the Islamic world as well as European traditions. The architectural forms of Anatolia brought with them the basic structures found in mosques, mausoleums, madrasahs and tekkes of the time. The Orthodox Catholic structures of the Byzantine Empire are apparent in Ottoman structures. The artistic designs of building facades, windows, gates and roofs share characteristics with Italian architecture.
-
Music
-
Music in the Ottoman Empire brought together musical elements found in the different nations of the empire. An individual person rather than a choir or ensemble usually performed Ottoman music. Rhythm in the music was optional, however, there was always a makam, a melody. Ottoman music relies primarily on human voice. Rather than being written down, compositions of Ottoman music were passed on from masters to apprentices.
Technology
-
Science and technology developed in the Ottoman Empire due to the establishment of educational institutions by Mehmed II. Scholars produced works ranging from metaphysics to mathematics to surgery. In the 16th century, cartographers of the Ottoman Empire mad great advances in map-making. Further geographical works included developments in navigation and nautical astronomy. Mechanical advances, in particular the invention of the mechanical astronomical clock, were also made during this period.
Cuisine
-
"The cuisine of the palace may be considered the zenith of Ottoman culinary culture," explains Arif Bilgin of the Turkish Cultural Foundation. The palace cuisine was influenced by the many cultures with which the Ottoman Empire had contact including Chinese, Mediterranean, European, Arab and Persian. The dishes of the Ottoman Empire were not based on a few ingredients. Instead, they attempted to utilize many available ingredients and achieve balance between them. Nutrition and health were known to be linked and overall balance in the diet was also a major consideration.
-
References
- Photo Credit hagia sophia istanbul image by Ä°brahim KARKINOÄžLU from Fotolia.com
