Architecture and the space it occupies reflect the mindset of time; it provides us a narrative by which we can glimpse into past ways of living, understand aesthetic and functional concerns, and learn about traditions and values. In this respect, they can manifest a panorama for a culture where the very body of the constructed material can incorporate a way to preserve and share temporal norms, acting as a museological source.

Here then, we are to present you with unique examples from the Ottoman times that have endured the depredation of time and managed in bringing past to present and communicated us with an invaluable message so that we can go and learn, experience, and enjoy.

Our first stop is not a single location but a distance covered by the İbradı-Akseki districts of Antalya. The region used to be one of the ancient passes for the Silk Road, and it still harbours traces from that period. Situated on the plains of the Taurus, the traveller here will find delightful sceneries of nature, including plateaus, wild horses running free, and geographical formations such as Altınbeşik cave. 

Amasya’s Yalıboyu houses, elegant examples from the Late Ottoman Era, can best be visited at the Yeşilırmak riverfront of Hazeranlar street, Hatuniye neighbourhood in Amasya city centre. Houses here are usually attached, and the interior design is made to divide the apartments as haremlik and selamlık, respectively, partitions for women and men. As the houses are made mostly of wood, some houses have an inner pool as a measure for fire breakouts. These houses usually have a courtyard and a garden; and as characteristic of Turkish houses, the second floor has a cumba, a jetting, which enables for a larger space.

Similar in allure and their attached built style to Amasya houses, but much more colourfully painted, Odunpazarı is located on the southern hills of Eskişehir. As the quarter preserves one of the most beloved examples of traditional Turkish Anatolian architecture, having a circuitous street, harmoniously blended white walls and brown beams with some sprinkle of other pastel colours here and there, and fabric of a total city space with its traditional housing, mosques, complex, caravansaries, fountains and old lodgings it has been both nationally and internationally protected; respectively, both as a “Historical and Urban Site” and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Hamamönü is an old historical quarter in the district of Altındağ in Ankara. The houses we are to walk about here are all examples of the Turkish civil architecture of the 19th century, and they share the spirit of Amasya and Odunpazarı.

Situated on each slope of a valley, encircled by olive groves on its inland, and with gorgeous hues of Marmara blue on the other, Trilye is an ancient Rûmian town that prospered during the Ottoman times. The town still continues its characteristic olive cultivation, vintage, sericulture activities; and manifests great examples from Eastern Roman architecture. With its lush scenery, historical monuments, and a deep-seated culture, the town awaits its visitors!

Mudurnu is an important site that preserves the noteworthy examples of Turkish civil architecture; therefore, as with other sights, it has also been designated as a “Protected Urban Site” under national law. Situated on a hill slope, houses in Mudurnu are taller than usual. In the district, there are over 100 structures -housing units, mosques, fountains and hammams- registered according to the law on conservation, and they also give us wonderful glimpses into life in Ottoman times.

Kula houses are another representation of 19th century Turkish architecture, and their design pervades the whole scene. All these houses have their own courtyards, enclosed by a wall, and windows of the living room that oversee the courtyard are occasionally uncovered, whereas the ones that have a street view are giving us a perspective on the decorum of Ottoman private and public divisions of life reflected onto the design.

Just like Mudurnu, Göynük is also designated as a Protected Urban Site, whereas its houses mostly date back to the 20th century. Also, in 2017, Göynük was included in the Cittaslow cities. Surrounded by splendid scenery, the time you will spend in Göynük will surely refresh your mind and take away all the stress.

To walk with the tranquil pace of life in these history-and-culture-rich towns and to be immersed in their atmosphere is like a gift for any visitor. Their doors are wide open, and they are all ready to make you feel at home in your journey into the past, what are you waiting for?