Links between Painting and Photography in Nineteenth-Century Turkey

Abstract

It is well known that engravings were used by artists as models for their paintings. Another visual source employed by painters was the photograph. This occurred in Turkey after photography was introduced into Ottoman territories as a result of visits made by Europeans to the Ottoman states. In addition, courses on photography were added to the curricula of the schools. Although photography was initially received negatively by the public, the positive attitude of the Ottoman Sultans determined the popularity and acceptance of this branch of art. The introduction of photography and its adoption by the Istanbul public occurred first during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid (1839–1861). Sultans Abdülaziz (1861–1876) and Abdulhamid II (1876–1909) played significant roles in the development of Ottoman photography. In addition, Abdulhamid II appointed photographers to document the events, institutions and structures in the empire and had around 800 photograph albums prepared. In these albums important settlements, structures and gardens of the period are documented. In wall paintings and in paintings on canvas, photographs were notably used as sources.