Gökçeada - the Ottoman period architecture

Abstract

Located in the North-West part of Aegean Sea, Gokceada has an exceptional place due to its strategic position. Island with a historical background as old as ancient times was ruled by various civilizations such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottomans respectively.

This study includes architectural evolution of the island under Ottoman rule, compromising of vast cultural wealth. The objective of this study is to research and introduce architectural structures of the island reflecting urban settlements and settlement texture of the island during Ottoman rule which lasted for 450 years, such as residences, shops, fountains, laundry, mill, church, chapel, mosque and different workshops and to hand down this material culture heritage to next generations as well as providing contribution in connection with the gap that exists due to lack of the studies on Ottomans. Within this context, priority was given to review of literature and archives and then data required for field research fundamental to this study was collected. Data collected as a result of literature review and field research were assessed to complete this research. In this study, attempt was made to provide importance of structures in terms of general characteristics and their place in settlement texture upon selecting certain examples in accordance with the type of structures rather than introducing structures of the island one by one. At the same time, influence of Anatolia on Gokceada architecture which is subject to traditions of Aegean Islands was emphasized and reflection of both different cultures on architecture was addressed. In conclusion,  it was seen that important part of the island’s settlements showing local characteristics of rural areas were established during the Ottomans and these settlements based on conventional architecture accommodate a rich architectural culture where Anatolian styles are existent as well.