Comparative Study On The Ottoman Influences In The Traditional Houses Of The City Of Amasya, Turkey And Berat, Albania (original) (raw)

2019, Golden Light Publishing

Albania and Turkey have a deep and rich connecting history, spanning hundreds of years. Ottoman civilization left behind prominent influences on the religions, traditions, and architecture of the people who have lived in regions where Ottomans have ruled. Researches show that, on the long time period that the empire prevailed, each Ottoman city (from Central Asia to the Balkans, from North Africa to the Black Sea) developed a format related with their unique dynamics and tradition understandings. Thus, in different geographical area being under the same administrative system spatial organization of the cities share essential principles adapted with the surrounding geographical, socio-cultural and economical context. To examine this sharing principles two cities; Amasya, in Turkey and Berat, in Albania are chosen as case study. Both cities were significant places in the Ottoman Empire history. Due to growth in population, the Ottomans expanded the both cities, provided facilities and established neighborhoods outside the walls. Even though in 2017, Amasya and Berat have established a “sister city” relationship agreement, up to now there are no studies engaged to compare their urban and architectural elements and to find out the similarities and differences. Therefore, for enhancing the continuity in mutual urban outlines, this research employs a historical and descriptive approach to explore the history, design and construction of the cities layout as well as going further down to their traditional houses during the Ottoman period. The comparison of the traditional houses pointed out similarities both cities have in terms of socio- economical, religious and cultural contexts. Thus the paper will have not only the analysis of the comparison of the history of two cities, but also it will give needed recommendations that are highlighted in order to protect and restore the residential heritage of respective cities in an accordance with each other in a socio-cultural and economical base for future use. Therefore the paper would be worthwhile for those who are intending to carry out research on history and preservation of architecture. Keywords: Ottoman house, Urban planning, Albanian Ottoman House, Amasya Riverfront Houses.