European Imprint on the Urban and Architecture of the Ottoman Empire’s Port Cities: The Case of Alexandria

Abstract

AbstractThe transformation of port cities throughout history has impacted various urban settings. In particular, the transformation and modernisation of the Ottoman Empire’s port cities in the nineteenth century have altered urban characteristics, reshaped the urban settings and resulted in a new cosmopolitan identity in the case of Alexandria. This particular century has been selected as it represents a period when the Ottoman Empire attempted to modernise, under the influence of Europe, were at their peak. Port cities thus experienced urban transformation and growth, which left European imprints and had local impacts that led to changes in the socio-economic structures in ports. These port cities, such as Izmir, Thessaloniki and Alexandria, attracted substantial European migrants who engaged in trade and political activity. All three cities grew mainly due to European interest in the markets of the Ottoman Empire. Meanwhile, European societies in port cities became key actors in the development of a port’s social, cultural, political and economic exchange. The transformation of the socio-economic structure has brought about major changes in the urban physical structure of the port city. The changes came with a new class of new institutions and demands for urban space. Because of Alexandria’s historical background, its richness, historical meaning and importance are related to its built form. Different types of urban fabrics still exist, offering specific forms with different physical and spatial structures. Together, they emphasise the character of the city centre as a meeting place and the urban core of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East. This morphological study reveals many important aspects of Alexandria’s unique culture. Additionally, it recognises the physical attributes of the built form and the studies of the changed fabric, which provide indicators of the urban quality of the built environment of Alexandria and the quality changes to appearances that need to be considered.KeywordsPort citiesAlexandriaCosmopolitanEuropean imprintUrban transformation