THE MOST VALUABLE HERITAGE OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
-----ISTANBUL
The reason why Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities
of the world stems from the fact that its natural beauty has been enhanced by
human endeavor. The most important building activities started in the Byzantine
period and the city was then embellished further during the OTTOMAN period.
Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror declared Istanbul the capital of
Ottoman Empire after he conquered the city in 1453.
Over the next 450 year the
city was adorned with superb Ottoman works of art.Bulding activities after the
conquest gained apace during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, with the finest
works built by Mimar Sinan, the Chief Royal Architect. This world famous
architect put his signature on the silhouette of Istanbul with several masterpieces.
Of course, he was fortunate to live through the most glorious period of Ottoman
history, a coincidence that played a major role in his work.
Sultan Suleyman
the magnificent generously put the riches of the empire at the disposal of
Sinan in order to enable him to beautify Istanbul. Sinan responded to his
generosity by adorning Istanbul with buildings that still evoke admiration in
visitors thanks to his superlative talent and skill. Sinan’s apprentices and
disciples continued this work after him, so that Istanbul from being the most
prominent city of the Byzntine Empire , gained a new identity with mosques,
caravanserais, public bathhouses and tombs and became a city to admire.
The Ottomans wisely tolerated religious other than Islam and
dedicated many places of worship to Christian and Jewish communities so that
these peoples could practices their religion in peace of mind.
Because of this tolerant outlook, mosques, churches and
synagogues stood and still stand side by side. This is the physical evidence of
the fact that Istanbul was the symbol of tolerance and fraternity of religions.
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