Architecture in Turkey

Turkey is an open-air museum of the world's great architecture: Hellenic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman.

Seljuk Turkish Architecture
The Seljuk Turks (1071-c. 1300) settled in Anatolia before the Ottomans. They arrived from Central Asia by way of Iran where they absorbed the great tradition of Persian architecture. They blended this with the Byzantine tradition they found in Anatolia, and using their own genius, produced an architecture both practical and beautiful, spare and clean but with some elements elaborately decorated.

Seljuk Turkish Caravanserais
In a bid to increase commerce through their empire, the Seljuks built networks of grand stone way-stations for camel caravans. Dozens of these beautiful hans still exist, having defied the ravages of the centuries.

Ottoman Turkish Architecture
Successors to both the Seljuks and the Byzantines, the Ottomans (1288-1923) built on both the Islamic and Byzantine Christian traditions to produce their own grand, harmonious style.

Seljuk Turkish History

Ottoman Turkish History

Turkey's History

Historic Timeline

Travel Details

Turkey Travel Planner Homepage

Above, the fine Ottoman-era Selimiye mosque in Edirne.

Below, the Seljuk-era Mevlana Museum in Konya.