MIM 445 - 19. Architecture of the Century

The aim of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the architectural heritage of Istanbul between 1800 and 1922—one of the most significant layers shaping the city’s urban identity—from historical, technical, and aesthetic perspectives. Within this scope, the course aims to analyze the approaches of local, Levantine, and foreign architects of the period; examine changing building typologies, including public buildings, residential buildings, and industrial structures; and develop a critical perspective on the conservation issues affecting these buildings within the contemporary urban fabric.

The course examines the development of nineteenth-century architecture in Istanbul from the pre-Tanzimat period to the proclamation of the Republic, focusing on stylistic transformations under the influence of Westernization—including Empire, Neoclassical, Eclectic, Art Nouveau, and the First National Architectural Movement—as well as the introduction of new materials and construction technologies such as iron, cast iron, and reinforced concrete. The course also addresses building practices in significant urban areas such as Galata, Pera, and the Bosphorus; the roles of prominent architectural families such as the Balyans and the Fossatis; and analytical studies ranging from monumental buildings to examples of civil architecture, together with conservation-oriented field assessments.

Course Notes

Çelik, Z. (1996). Değişen İstanbul: 19. yüzyılda Osmanlı başkenti (S. Deringil, Çev.). Tarih Vakfı Yurt Yayınları.

Kuban, D. (2026). Osmanlı mimarisi. YEM Yayın.

• Midterm Examination: The date, time, and venue of the midterm examination will be announced by the Dean’s Office.
• Practical Exercises: Practical exercises will be carried out in accordance with the topics covered during the course. Submission deadlines for each exercise will be announced separately.
• Quizzes: Quizzes will be announced one week in advance, and the announcement will specify the course content to be covered.
• Final Submission: The final submission will consist of six practical applications completed throughout the semester. These applications must be integrated into the student's architectural design project developed within the concurrent Architectural Design Studio. For each application topic, students are required to prepare one A3 or B2 presentation board that explains both the theoretical framework of the application and its implementation within the architectural project. Final submissions must be submitted both digitally and in printed format.
• Final Assessment Policy: As the final assessment is based on a comprehensive project submission rather than a written examination, there is no make-up (resit) examination for this course.

1. Attendance: According to the University Regulations, students who fail to attend at least 70% of the total course hours will receive a grade of DZ (Absent) and will automatically fail the course.

   Late Arrival: Students are expected not only to attend class but also to arrive on time. Please note that three late arrivals are considered equivalent to one full absence. A late arrival is defined as entering the classroom after attendance has been taken by the instructor and more than 10 minutes after the scheduled start of the class.

   Seeking Assistance: Students are encouraged to ask questions during class or office hours and to seek assistance whenever necessary. Obtaining timely support is an important part of the learning process and is strongly recommended.

   Academic Integrity: All coursework submitted for assessment must represent your own original work and effort. Acts of academic misconduct, including plagiarism and cheating, are subject to the University's Academic Integrity and Disciplinary Regulations and may result in disciplinary action and the corresponding sanctions.

   Assessment Policy: The assessment methods and grading criteria specified in this syllabus are final. No additional assignments, examinations, or make-up assessments will be offered for the purpose of improving course grades.