Departments Supervised by the Rectorate · İZÜ Seçmeli Dersler · Undergraduate
ECTS: 3 T+P+L: 2+0+0 IZU Common Elective
Coordinator: Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Nuray OCAKLI
Instructors: Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Nuray OCAKLI
Course Objective
The primary objective of this course is to enable students to understand Istanbul—which has served as the capital of three great empires (Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire) throughout history and is today a global metropolis—within a holistic framework that encompasses its historical, architectural, sociocultural, and urban dimensions.
Course Content
This course examines the layered history of the city—from Istanbul’s prehistoric settlements to its contemporary structure as a global metropolis—through the lens of spatial and cultural dynamics. It covers a broad spectrum, ranging from the topography and water features that shape the city’s physical form to the evolution of its administrative, religious, and civil architectural heritage (public squares, complexes, city walls, and residential typologies).
Course Learning Outcomes
- Knows a general understanding of the historical and spatial development of Istanbul, spanning from the prehistoric period through the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Republican eras.
- Evaluates the monumental architectural structures, public spaces, neighborhood fabric, and residential typologies that shape the city’s physical form within the context of the sociocultural conditions of each period.
- Explains the role of Istanbul’s geographic location and water features such as the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn in urban settlement, trade, defense, and cultural interaction.
- Examines Istanbul through a holistic and critical lens, drawing on the tools of various disciplines such as architecture, history, sociology, geography, and urban planning.
- Recognizes the city’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage; develops an awareness of the preservation of the historic environment, the balance between preservation and use, and approaches to restoration.
- Globalization, rapid urbanization, migration, urban renewal, and mega-projects are examined from a critical perspective to assess their impact on Istanbul’s urban identity and sustainability.
- Acquire the culture of visiting Istanbul.
Core Area Distribution
(21) Arts%25 (22) Humanities%50 (58) Architecture and Building%25
Teaching Methods
ExpressionQuestion-AnswerDiscussion
Assessment & Evaluation
HomeworkTesting (Essay / Tests: True-Falls, multiple-choice, short answer, matching)
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 16 | 2 | 32 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Midterm | 1 | 90 | 90 |
| Quiz | 5 | 25 | 125 |
| Assignment | 5 | 20 | 100 |
| Practice | 5 | 30 | 150 |
| Final | 1 | 90 | 90 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heritage of Istanbul and Its Reflections | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, İnrorduction |
| 2 | From the Ancient Greek Byzantium to New Rome: Historical background of Roman Era, Walls and Hippodrome, outer fortifications and water orientation | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 1 |
| 3 | Historical Background of the Byzantine Heritage, Palace Mosaic Museum, Hagia Sophia and Sts. Sergius and Bacchus | Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history, Ch 2 |
| 4 | Byzantine Era: Byzantine Mosaic Tradition, Fethiye Camii, Kariye Muzesi | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 3 |
| 5 | The Ottoman Tradition: Historical Background, Pre-Conquest and Post Conquest Landmarks, Muslim districts in Constantinople, Eyub Sultan, Romanos Gate (Fetih Kapi) | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 4 |
| 6 | The Ottoman Traditions: Historical Background of the Social Life, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Fatih Complex | Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history, Ch 3 |
| 7 | The Ottoman Traditions: Piyale Pasa Camii and Beyazit Camii Suleymaniye Complex | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 5 |
| 8 | Exam | Exam |
| 9 | The Working Ottoman City: Caravansarys, Hamam, Buyik Valide Han and Bazaars | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 6 |
| 10 | The Residential Ottoman City: Kosk, Yali, Konak | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 7 |
| 11 | Istanbul and Fine Arts: Ottoman Tiles and Pottery | Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history, Ch 4 |
| 12 | Istanbul and Fine Arts: Fabrics, Carpets, Calligraphy and Miniature | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Ch 7; Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history, Ch 5 |
| 13 | Istanbul and Fine Arts: Bird houses, fountains and grave stones | Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history, Ch 6 |
| 14 | Traditional Performances and Music | Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history, Ch 7 |
| 15 | Istanbul, Europe and Interactions | John Freely. Istanbul : the imperial city, Conclusions; Peter Clark. Istanbul : a cultural and literary history,conclusions |
| 16 | Exam | Exam |