Determination and analysis of site selection factors for kulliyes of architect Sinan with respect to the locations in the Ottoman city of Istanbul

Abstract

Besides serving with their public and religious functions to the city, Ottoman kulliyes were the focal points which develop the urban pattern of their surroundings and the city. Sinan's kulliyes were established as important centers both serving the society and expressing the imperial power during the busiest years of the empire in terms of construction and building activities. Their location in the city was chosen particularly and many parameters were taken into account and evaluated while deciding upon the site selection. On the other hand, the fact that each kulliye might have its own specific conditions makes it difficult to determine the parameters in question. Generalizing to some extent, this study aims to determine the site selection factors and puts the effects of these factors forward in both site selection and space arrangements of the kulliyes all of which stand on different points of the city. Within the framework of the aim of the study, the analysis and its findings provide not only to determine how the kulliyes were located in the city but also indicate the importance of site selection and its effects on the built environment in architecture by means of Sinan's kulliyes. Identification of these effects would also demonstrate whether there is an interaction between site selection and formation of the kulliyes. The presence of the interaction in other words formation of the complex with respect to its location would be an indicator of the relationship of buildings with its surroundings and even with the city.