During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, trade connected kingdoms and empires all around the Europe, Asia, and Africa. Along with the exchange of products and materials also came the exchange of different cultures throughout the world. One of the ways that culture spreads is through art. As trade increased, artistic styles and motifs of a certain culture inspired those of another. Apparent artistic influences are an important tool that has been used to identify interaction between specific cultures. These interactions include that of the Ottoman Empire with places such as China, Persia, and Europe through art and trade. The Ottoman Empire was a power that controlled much of Northern Africa, Southeastern Europe, and Western Asia in its prime. …show more content…
Ottoman rule lasted roughly from the 14th century to the early 20th century and had a massive impact on all aspects of culture, but especially art. The influence of different cultures on Ottoman art and architecture shows connection between the empire and the Byzantine Empire, China, and Europe. The Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were artistically connected through buildings such as the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
By the time the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, the Byzantine Empire had collapsed completely. The Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as a Byzantine church but was used as a mosque during the time of the Ottomans. This change occurred when Constantinople fell to invading Ottoman forces. “Interior of Hagia Sophia,” an image found in Constantinople by Talbot Rice, depicts the inside hall of the impressive structure. It shows the building’s huge domes, decorated pillars, many light fixtures, and plates containing Arabic phrases. The domes and structure were especially inspirational to the Ottomans. According to Rachel Milstein, author and Doctor of Philosophy, “Following the conquest, with the church of Hagia Sophia in close sight, the central domes grew larger and higher and covered a more unified internal space” (Milstein). The Hagia Sophia inspired the Ottomans to build bigger and better domes for their mosques. They wanted to improve the architecture of the city and show that they were the most technically and artistically advanced. Byzantine architecture had a major influence on that of the Ottomans, encouraging the latter to improve and expand on existing concepts and designs. Without the Hagia Sophia, the structures of the past would be far less grand. This kind of cultural crossover drives innovation in the way of …show more content…
engineering. Not only were Ottoman structures influenced by the Byzantines, but their designs and materials were as well.
Ottoman mosques were “usually of stone and incorporate a variety of reused Byzantine materials; the interiors are richly decorated with frescoes and ceramic tiles... The other buildings of the mosque complex, following the Byzantine tradition, are constructed in alternative courses of stone and brick, with brick decoration” (Milstein). The Ottomans utilised the materials the Byzantines used to construct large buildings. Buildings of the mosque complexes were even constructed with the same design of alternating material. One example of Ottoman architecture that was influenced by the Byzantines is “the splendid mosque built by Sinan for Sultan Süleyman in 1550-1557. The longitudinal hall, under a central dome and two half-domes, between two aisles, recalls the sixth-century Hagia Sophia” (Milstein). These Ottoman structures reflect those of the Byzantines. They were influenced by the Hagia Sophia to build mosques the way they did. All of these examples show that the Ottoman Empire was connected to the Byzantine Empire through the design of their architecture and influence of buildings such as the Hagia
Sophia. The Ottoman Empire’s connection to China can be seen through the influence of Chinese design on Ottoman pottery. China at the time of the Ottoman Empire was known for the array of exclusive products they exported. One of these products was porcelain, a ceramic material “highly sought after for [its] beauty and strength” (“Ottoman Art”). It could only be produced in China because high firing temperatures were only used there and the government was very strict about not sharing their production secrets. This made it very desirable to buyers. This demand urged Ottoman potters to use other materials to achieve the same effect. These potters “could not replicate the Chinese wares because they did not have access to some of the essential ingredients ... They also did not use the high firing temperatures required to make porcelain... Ottoman potters produced their own cheaper versions using different materials and designs” (“Ottoman Art”). Once again, connection between cultures drove the creation and adaptation of materials and products. The Ottoman potters adapted to their circumstances and used inspiration from the Chinese to create a cheaper material that was more accessible. One of the products made of this material was Peacock Dish, a ceramic piece created around 1550. It features a large peacock and a mainly blue and white color scheme. Another identifying feature of Chinese ceramics was this same color scheme, showing one additional connection to Chinese culture. The Ottomans used these colors for a multitude of products, including tiles featured on buildings. Potters were “interested in the Chinese blue and white color schemes, but by the 1500s, they had expanded their palette to include blue, green, black, and a distinct shade of red Typical designs included bouquets of stylized foliage, surrounded on the edges by Chinese-inspired wave or cloud patterns” (“Ottoman Art”). While the Ottomans eventually embraced their own colors and unique motifs, they were first influenced by those of the Chinese. The connection between the Ottoman Empire and China is made clear through the influence of Chinese culture on art, especially ceramics. The Ottoman Empire and Europe were connected through the European influence on art as well as the art trade. Trade routes, such as the Silk Roads, that connected Europe and the Ottoman Empire were very influential to the society of the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. European artists were well known in the Ottoman Empire and often invited by the leaders to the territory to work with Islamic artists. These leaders included Sultan Mehmed II, who was interested in Italian painters during the Renaissance. He invited these artists to his court to work alongside Iranian and Muslim artists. The techniques they used drove the Iranian painters to use different techniques, such as using lighting and shading to create a more realistic aesthetic (Milstein). This is yet another case of connection driving the experimentation, this time with painting techniques such as a focus on realism and added dimension. Italian artists travelled to the empire in order to work with Iranian artists, connecting the two worlds and artistic styles. The result of this interaction can be seen in artistic works such as Khusrau Hunting, an illustration from a manuscript created in 1498 in the Ottoman Empire. It depicts Khusrau, an Iranian prince, hunting with a group of servants and friends. One of the main characteristics of the painting is the noticeably realistic style, a technique that was introduced to these painters by European artists. The connections between the two groups greatly influenced the art that was produced during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman art in the form of rugs also had an impact on European art. Although there are very few original Ottoman rugs, “they appear in European paintings of the time, indicating that they were already being traded in areas outside the Ottoman empire” (“Ottoman Art”). This indicates a clear connection between the two cultures, as European works of art showcase Ottoman rugs. These paintings are also very important to historians, as they are essentially the only evidence of these specific rugs because so few remain. Ottoman rugs produced for Europeans include Carpet, First Half of the 17th Century. This rug includes a Star Ushak design, which was common in the rugs bought by wealthy Europeans. Textiles such as these “found their way into European churches and wealthy foreign homes...weavers were producing large-pattern ‘Holbein”’ carpets, many intended for export to Europe...The typical example, knotted in brightly colored wool in a variety of colors, primarily brick-red with white, yellow, blue, green, brown and black, has a rectangular field containing several large octagons inscribed in square frames. These are usually decorated with strap-work patterns and separated and enclosed by bands of smaller octagons” (“Ottoman Art”). Without the trade routes connecting the civilizations, these great works would have been forgotten by history without a trace. Besides rugs, there were more products that travelled between cultures, including “metal wares, and fine ceramics that were first produced for the use of the sultan, the court, and imperial mosques, [that] later became a major source of income as export goods” (“Ottoman Art”). The art trade, especially that of rugs, connected Europe and the Ottomans as can be seen in European paintings and historical records. Europe and the Ottoman Empire were connected through the influence of Europeans on art, depictions of art, and the art trade. Art and architecture, specifically that of the Ottoman Empire, connected cultures including Europe, China, and the Byzantine Empire. The architecture of the Byzantine Empire, including the Hagia Sophia, had a large influence on that of the Ottomans. Chinese techniques, materials, and motifs also greatly inspired Ottoman ceramics. Finally, European artists’ influence on Ottoman art, European paintings of Ottoman rugs, and the art trade all show connection between the empires. Art has connected people and cultures throughout history, no matter the time period or medium. This art, whether textiles, ceramics, or architecture, draws people together. This common fixation connects people and inspires future works of art.
Two of the most powerful powers in the post-classical period were the Arabian and Byzantine empires. Each had different political, religious, and economic differences that defined their respective cultures, and managing to create vast empires that greatly rivaled each other.
As new ideas traveled main trade routes, such as the Silk Road and the Mediterranean, the effects of such were felt through an influx of contact between countries due to increased desire for new information and countries gaining a larger presence on the world stage. This phenomenon can also be seen through the lens of cultural exchange that took place during this same time period in Eurasia. A major component of the Eurasian trade networks, such as the Silk Road and Indian Ocean, was that they fostered interregional contacts that had ceased to previously exist. When a country had a desire for study or technology, they earned more respect on the global stage. This can be further examined by looking at Marco Polo’s voyage into Asia.
There were many important empires on the Eurasia continent; The Qing Dynasty, The Ming Dynasty, The Tokugawa Shogunate, The Mughal Empire, The Safavid Empire, The Russian Empire and The Ottoman Empire They all had their similarities and their differences and their influence on the modern day are strong. Two of the of the countries that shared many similarities but also had their differences where the Russian empire and the Ottoman empire.
The Hagia Sophia was constructed first and it was meant as the main church of the Byzantine Empire. It is said that they built the Hagia Sophia in only 5 years, while it took nearly a century for the Notre Dame cathedral to be completed. While it did have what some would consider an extremely short construction time, they did have many issues with the dome. It nearly collapsed more than a few times. Once the builders and architects figured a plan to keep it stable, one on looker said, ”it is as if the Dome is suspended from Heaven itself”. The Dome of the rock was constructed for Christians, Jews, and Muslims but was to attract new followers to Malik’s Islamic brotherhood. The project for the construction had many issues, not only with the Dome itself, but also with revolts that would postpone construction for years. Once completed, many followers believed that Jerusalem was the third holiest place in the world due to Muhammed’s journey to Heaven in order to talk to God. The art within the Hagia Sophia was beautiful Mosaics and paintings of the Virgin Mary with Jesus. These were meant to represent how holy the building was. When the Muslims claimed the Hagia Sophia they did not want to destroy it due to beliefs so they renovated the building. They did this by breaking down images of humans and animals due to their belief that no images of figures
Much of past civilizations have endured many failures and triumphs throughout their existence. In the third century, there were many civilizations that started to flourish. One of these civilizations that started to expand was the Byzantine civilization. The Byzantine civilization, also regarded as Byzantium, was part of the Roman Empire which was divided in 395 AD. Byzantium had shared the same attitude, as the Roman Empire, toward exercising its authority over its citizens and throughout its empire. The Islamic civilization had started thrive in the fifth century. The Islamic civilization was unified together as unison by Islam and it has expanded its civilization throughout parts of Europe through jihad. Because of their expansions throughout parts of Europe, they shared various similarities which include their political system, social structure, and economy.
While taking the class of Early Modern European History there was two states that really stuck out and peaked my interest the most. They were the Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe. If you compare and contrast both the Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe during the 16th Century through the 18th Century, you will see that there are a number of similarities as well as differences when you look at the expansion of the states. You will also see many of these contrasts as well when you look in terms of each states military and commerce. Although the Ottoman Empire existed before the 16th century and continued to exist past the 18th century and in great decline until the early 20th century, when looking at the state as a whole the time period of 1500’s through the 1700’s is a period of growth and strength. It is perhaps even known as a golden era for the state, when taking in to comparison the Early Modern Europeans where the same time period marks a change in how society thought and how people were treated.
When Emperor Constantine found the city of Constantinople, it was soon to become the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. But the Christin city needed a great church to represent it’s great value, so the Hagia Sophia was built (Krystek, Lee). The Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Empire in 537 C.E., which was an Empire influenced greatly by the greek and roman styles (Krystek, Lee). It has a square base with a large dome on the top. Round arcs surrounded the large dome, adding mystical beauty to the Hagia Sophia (Krystek, Lee). Also, multiple colors of bricks were used to create patterns on the outside of the Hagia Sophia. On the inside, the walls are made of marble with glass panes which bring beautiful sunlight into the large museum (Krystek, Lee). The Hagia Sophia is very significant because it was rebuilt many times. The first church was built and then burnt down in 404 C.E. (Krystek, Lee). It was then rebuilt and burned down by riots in 502 C.E. (Krystek, Lee). Then the 3rd church was built by Justinian. After long periods of time, Sultan Mehmed conquered Constantinople and changed it to an islamic city, converting the church to a mosque (Krystek, Lee). In 1934, President Ataturk changed the mosque to a museum for the people and tourists, instead of a sacred place of worship (Krystek, Lee).
...ral (138 ½ feet), Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s (137 ½) and Wren’s St. Paul’s (109 feet). Until steel and concrete technology advanced in the 19th century, no single spaces were larger than these. Bibliography Dirimtekin, Feridun. [1964]. Saint Sophia Museum. Istanbul: Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey. Fossati, Gaspare. 1852. Aya Sofia, Constantinople : as recently restored by order of H. M. the sultan Abdul-Medjid. London: R. & C. Colnagni & Co. James Stevens Curl. Classical Architecture: an introduction to its vocabulary and essentials, with a select glossary of terms. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992. ISBN 0-442-30896-5. NA260.C87. interior photo of circular space (photo of the prostyle octstyle portico of the Pantheon) William L. MacDonald. The Architecture of the Roman Empire I. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1982. ISBN 0-300-02818-0. LC 81-16513
Ultimately, European influence played a fundamental role in the shaping of the Ottoman Empire and Egypt during the 18th and early 19th century. It’s influence was most significant through government, economic, and military influence but its effects reverberated throughout society. Western influence was much less significant in Iran, primarily due to the fragmented nature of governorship in the region.
Byzantine mosaics demonstrated the large wall covering the techniques of the era which was viewed at the church of Nuovo. It
The Ottoman Empire were Muslims and included Hungary, Syria, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Albania, and they marched on land. The Ottoman Empire is said to have first appeared somewhere around the 1300’s, and can be related to the decline of the Byzantine Empire. They began conquering Christian lands and by the late 1600’s all Christians were afraid of the “terrible Turk”. It is no wonder that many other people were afraid of the Ottoman Empire since they seem to be really rather powerful and they conquered a lot of land. It was in the 1330’s when the Morroccan Abu Abdallah Ibn Battuta passed through Constantinople and became impressed with the Ottomans who seemed to be gaining power rather quickly, he noticed that they had close to 100 forts and
When walking around a city, you may notice that the architecture and art look similar to other works. Many of these designs have changed along the course of history and time whilst others have not. The designs that many people still see in society and day to day living is from two of the many cultures of the old civilizations, Roman and Islamic. The art and architecture forms from the Islamic and Roman cultures have many comparisons and contrasts between them. They, the Islamic and Roman nations, have both adopted from other cultures and have made their own discoveries in the art and architecture worlds. The Roman and Islamic architecture and art vary drastically from each other and yet have varying comparisons between the two.
...vided and chaotic. The Ottoman Turks took advantage of the declining empire during a war often referred to as the Turkish War. During this time, the Ottomans, which were mostly composed of Sunni Muslims, conquered the Byzantine Empire through a series of battles, and expanded the territory into Balkan. The new Ottoman Empire peaked under the leadership of Emperor Süleyman I. While the Ottoman Empire reached its highest point due to it’s military and governmental strengths, the Byzantine Empire fell in 1265.
There are many different ways that modern cultures in the west have been impacted and built upon, but there are two ancient cultures that were the most influential. The Greek and Roman cultures helped shape Western Civilization in many ways. Both were very important factors in the development of Western culture. The Greeks contributed through art, architecture, government, philosophy, education, and science. The Romans contributed through language, engineering, law, and government.
The earlier designs of medieval architecture had features like pointed arches in the nave, window and doorways, small clusters of columns, pillars, small windows and thick walls. This was during the Romanesque period and a lot of the early Romanesque architecture had influence from the byzantine period, which was the previous time period of architecture.