EMERGENCE OF THE ISTANBUL ART NOUVEAU STYLE OF RAIMONDO D ARONCO: THE TRANSFORMATION FROM THE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRY TO THE MINISTRY OF FORESTRY, MINING AND AGRICULTURE AND THE JANISSARY MUSEUM

Abstract

This study details the transformation of the Istanbul School of Industry (Dersaadet Sanayi Mektebi) building at the Sultan Ahmed Square which was originally built between 1866 and 1868, and now serves as the Marmara University Rectorate Building. Because of the damage caused by the great earthquake of 1894, the building was redesigned by Raimondo D’Aronco between 1894 and 1900 for use as the Ministry of Forestry, Mining and Agriculture, and the Janissary Museum was added to the building. The authors believe that this design is one of the first interpretations of the Art Nouveau movement in Istanbul and reflects its first traces in the Ottoman Empire as genius loci, although it was also interpreted differently by other experts. As known, the Istanbul Art Nouveau later became very popular, especially in residential construction. The present study discusses how the Ottoman local architectural tradition is reflected in Raimondo D’Aronco’s design together with the elements of the Art Nouveau in this building. Since the building is one of the earliest works by D’Aronco reflecting precise dates in this style, it gives us the opportunity to follow the development of his art as well. The drawings of the facade, digitally documented by using a 3D Laser scanner for the first time, additionally provide information on the construction phases as supported by researches.