Planning of Functional Spaces in Ottoman-Period Hospitals (Darüşşifa) of Anatolia

Abstract

The rediscovery and thorough understanding of historic design strategies and characteristics of functional space developments that reflect the society and region in which people live are important in appreciating building preservation and the reuse of traditional buildings. This has contributed to their survival down the centuries. Although written sources frequently refer to the plans, sections, elevations, and decorative features of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Ottoman hospitals, they hardly discuss the original functions of the spaces and their relation to the functional systems and to the staff working in those hospitals, as specified in their waqf deeds. Therefore, throughout this article, functional space development in Ottoman-period hospitals of Anatolia and the possible factors affecting them have been examined and carefully evaluated. The evaluations have shown that, in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Anatolian hospitals, the functional programme, spatial composition, and location selection has been wisely planned as an ideal model of Ottoman architecture.