Recognition of the Elements of Power in Ancient Architecture

Abstract

Whenever man defines power, it means the condition that the individual would be able to do something with it. However, according to sociologists, power refers to various perspectives. In this study, “power in political sociology” has been discussed and according to Bertrand Russell, power has been interpreted on the basis of its effects and in this perspective, it is dated past and it has made its way within architecture over the timed and it was initially proposed for monumental architecture. This simple structure represented the power of kings through their tombs and it has been gradually more complex. Then, in 1849, John Ruskin introduced The Seven Lamps of Architecture and he almost recognized power as the most important and influential relation between an architectural idea and its observer. The study aimed to recognize the elements of power in architecture. Firstly, power and its types and also, those parts of its may include architecture according to sociology were examined and finally, those indicators and elements which can be referred as the elements of power in architecture, were recognized and categorized studying global works registered in the UNESCO. In the present study, the research methodology is qualitative and it was performed through content analysis using library studies.