Factors influencing the development of Ottoman construction in Levant during the period from 1550-1800 Aleppo and Damascus as a Model

Abstract

The Levant has gained a vital position in light of the strategy of the expansionist-oriented countries due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea, representing a link between Asia, Europe and Africa continents. Therefore, the Ottoman Empire has highly considered that with its strategy, taking into account its key terrestrial access to the Islamic holy sites over the peninsula to the North Africa, in addition to being a vital trading in this time era. The significance of this study lies in addressing the factors influencing the construction development, considering it one of the most important features of the Ottoman rule over the Levant during this period of time. The problem of the study is represented by the limitation of sources and references of the historical writing dealt with construction, in all kinds and the influencing factors. So, the process of obtaining information was limited to the writings of geographers or their sightings and backpackers, as these writings do not address the comprehensiveness of constitution details. Therefore, this study proceeded to list the details description of the most vital urban landmarks and the factors influencing their development during the period from 1850-1950. Among these factors are political, economic and social factors. The process of constructing governmental, religious, scientific and social institutions represented the most important areas of concern for the sultans of Bani Othman and their rulers. They exaggerated their concem, so they worked to ensure its permanence through endowing endowments for it, providing sources of local and central financing. Thus, the study concluded that the factor of political, economic, investment and social stability and the growth of commercial and industrial movement could bring capital that represented a major tributary in process of construction prosperity. All this had a clear impact on construction boom over the Levant during the rule of the Ottoman Empire.