Тown planning

Formation of the structure of districts of Istanbul in the Ottoman period

УДК: 711.4
DOI: 10.47055/19904126_2023_3(83)_21

Abstract

Introduction

In 1510, Istanbul was rebuilt during the reign of Bayezid II. As a result, many of the surviving works and analyses date back to this later period.

The "Renaissance," which occurred in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, began to influence the Ottoman elite in the 17th century. The Ottoman dynasty, familiar with the concept of open spaces in cities, became acquainted with a new way of life in the north of Khalich, in the Kagytkhan valley, which featured a country palace called Sadabat gardens. These gardens provided opportunities for walks, entertainment, and relaxation [2].

One important fact of the 18th century is that migrations from Anatolia filled the city. As a result, shantytowns started to emerge in Eyup, Kasimpasha, and Uskudar (an overview of the historical evolution of the spatial structure of Istanbul, Ilber Ortaylı) [10].

With the acceleration of the process of Westernization during the Tanzimat period in the 18th and 19th centuries, Istanbul became a symbolic hub of civilization. Considered a gateway between Europe and Asia, Istanbul transitioned from a self-sufficient capital dependent on the state to a capital dependent on foreign influences. This expansion was observed beyond the borders of the city center towards Galata and Beyoglu [7; 9].

Let's explore the history of the emergence of suburbs in Istanbul. In the 19th century, suburbs began to develop as an important phenomenon. With the transportation infrastructure reaching a favorable level, destinations on both sides of the Bosphorus, particularly Kadikoy (on the European side), and later Bakirkoy and Yeshilkoy, became significant suburban centers. Tarabya-Yenikoy became a region known for its summer embassies and Levantine communities. The islands also formed an organic and natural relationship with the city. Modern municipal offices were established here soon after the Beyoglu municipality [19]. Despite improvements in transportation facilities, Istanbul remained an underdeveloped metropolitan center, where boats, steamships, horse-drawn carriages, and trams coexisted as part of the transportation network. Changes in the spatial structure were also characteristic of this underdeveloped metropolitan area. The emergence of slums can be seen because of these characteristics.

The aim of this article is to investigate the emergence and development of suburbs in Istanbul during the 19th century, exploring the historical changes in the city's spatial structure and their social and economic consequences. The article focuses on the factors driving suburbanization, the impact of migration, and the transformation of slums. It also examines the structural and functional changes that took place, such as the emergence of new centers and axes, the introduction of new transportation options, and the transformation of Beyoglu into a hub of high consumption. The study utilizes a historical research design and employs qualitative methods, including thematic analysis and comparative analysis. The findings are discussed within the historical and socio-cultural context of Istanbul, considering the influence of Ottoman governance, the impact of Westernization, and the interactions between different social classes and ethnic communities [16]. The article concludes by summarizing the key findings and their implications for understanding Istanbul's suburban history, while also acknowledging the limitations of the available historical records and secondary sources.

During this period, the area transformed into slums because of an influx of people migrating to Istanbul from Anatolia or Rumeli. They started to establish slums on the western side of the walls in Eyup, Kasimpasha, Haskoy, and Uskudar. For instance, Kasimpasha and Haskoy-Ox Square near Beyoglu are areas where low-income groups reside, exhibiting a way of life distinct from Pera [4]. Similarly, certain parts of Uskudar on the Anatolian side experienced a similar situation. These areas, primarily inhabited by low-income and unemployed individuals, hindered the social and economic integration of the city. The 19th century witnessed both scattered and contiguous settlements, leading Istanbul to develop into a sprawling urban structure that was disproportionately large compared to its population [11]. This became the primary challenge that impeded the provision of municipal services (Ilber Ortaylı, an overview of the historical evolution of Istanbul's spatial structure).

In terms of public centers, we can characterize this period as one of the emergences of small centers located far apart from each other, lacking a coherent system.

If we summarize the structural and functional changes that took place in the city during this period:

- The emergence of two new centers, Karakoy and Shishane, near the traditional center in the Galata region.

- The development of two new axes, Karakoy-Taksim and Topkhana-Ortakoy, shaping the urban space.

- The introduction of a new transportation option, the "Tunel," connecting Karakoy and Galata.

- Beyoglu transforming into a hub of high consumption in the city, characterized by large family houses, prominent khans, luxurious passages, tortuna (horse-drawn carriages), restaurants, theaters, cabarets, and shops.

When the Ottomans took over the city, efforts were made to repair the damaged areas. Extensive renovation works were carried out in Istanbul, focusing on landscaping, and improving the commercial image and vitality of the city [12]. From a religious perspective, a cosmopolitan structure emerged, with Islam dominating the center and non-Muslims shaping the outskirts of Istanbul in the form of distinct neighborhoods. The growth of trade functions extended the ports into the estuary. There was a slight increase in the rear areas of the Istanbul port (for example, the Egyptian market, which expanded beyond the state borders, as described by Ilber Ortaylı).

In the following centuries, the city faced the risk of receiving an influx of migrants and turning into slums due to deteriorating conditions. On the other hand, the transformation of the Pera region into a modern business center, the enrichment of the population living there, and its shift towards modernization resulted in the newly formed Istanbul, particularly Pera, looking down upon the old Istanbul. Towards the final years of the empire, Istanbul expanded beyond its walls and the Pera region. The surrounding areas experienced growth due to the convenience of transportation provided by the era. Small settlements could even be observed along the shores of the Bosphorus.

Moreover, this expansion beyond the walls affected not only civil society but also the palace and state institutions that had been passed from Byzantium to the Ottomans and continued for centuries [13]. Kadikoy and Uskudar, once again, were places where dense urbanization was observed. The reasons for the emergence of public centers can be explained through these developments.

The process of creating the Beyoglu district, which exists separately, began, separating it from the traditional space of the historic peninsula in terms of functionality and self-perception [5]. The utilization of this territory led to the emergence of two-sided structures that catered to different social classes. There was a process of interruption or expansion of the urban space from the historical peninsula to the surrounding areas. As a result, during this stage of creation and development, the influence of central governance weakened, and the urban environment along this axis formed through foreign investments and local influences.

Methodology

The study employs a historical research design to investigate the emergence and development of suburbs in Istanbul during the specified period. The research incorporates a qualitative approach, analyzing historical texts, scholarly articles, and relevant sources to understand the spatial and functional changes in Istanbul [12].

Data Collection:

• Primary sources include historical texts, documents, and records from the 16th to the 19th centuries, providing insights into the development of Istanbul and its suburbs.

• Secondary sources consist of scholarly works, articles, and studies on Istanbul's urban history, spatial structure, migration patterns, and socio-economic dynamics [1].

• Additional sources include maps, illustrations, photographs, and architectural plans that offer visual representation and context to support the analysis.

Data Analysis:

• Thematic analysis is conducted to identify and categorize key themes and patterns related to the emergence and development of suburbs in Istanbul [6].

• The collected data is examined chronologically to understand the progression of spatial changes and the factors influencing suburban growth. Comparative analysis is employed to explore the differences between the traditional center of Istanbul and the emerging suburban areas. The study situates the findings within the historical and socio-cultural context of Istanbul during the period under investigation. The influence of Ottoman governance, the impact of Westernization, and the interactions between different social classes and ethnic communities are considered [14].

The analyzed data is interpreted to highlight the factors driving suburbanization, the impact on urban structure, and the social and economic consequences.

Findings are discussed in relation to the historical evolution of Istanbul, the role of migration, the establishment of public centers, and the emergence of distinct social classes. The study relies on historical records and available secondary sources, which may have limitations in terms of accuracy, bias, or missing information. Interpretations of historical events and processes are subject to the researcher's analysis and understanding. The study respects the principles of academic integrity and properly references all sources used. Proper citation and acknowledgement of the original authors are maintained throughout the research. Confidentiality and privacy of individuals mentioned in historical records are preserved.

The study concludes by summarizing the key findings related to the emergence of suburbs in Istanbul, their impact on the city's spatial structure, and the social and economic dynamics of the period. Recommendations for further research or areas of exploration may be suggested based on the gaps identified in the historical understanding of Istanbul's suburbs.

Results and Discussion

Emergence of Suburbs in the 19th Century:

 The 19th century witnessed the development of suburbs in Istanbul as an important phenomenon.

 Improved transportation infrastructure played a crucial role in the suburban growth, particularly on both sides of the Bosphorus, such as Kadıkoy, Bakirkoy, Yeshilkoy, and Tarabya-Yenikoy.

 These suburban centers provided opportunities for leisure, summer embassies, and a natural connection to the city through the islands.

Underdeveloped Metropolitan Center and Emergence of Slums:

 Despite transportation improvements, Istanbul remained an underdeveloped metropolitan center with a transportation network consisting of boats, steamships, horse-drawn carriages, and trams.

 The sprawling urban structure of Istanbul became disproportionately large compared to its population, leading to the emergence of slums.

 Low-income and unemployed individuals migrating from Anatolia or Rumeli established slums in areas such as Eyup, Kasimpasha, Haskoy, and Uskudar, hindering social and economic integration.

Structural and Functional Changes:

 The period witnessed the emergence of two new centers, Karaköy and Şişhane, near the traditional center in the Galata region.

 Two new axes, Karakoy - Taksim and Topkhana - Ortakoy, shaped the urban space, reflecting the changing dynamics of the city.

 The introduction of the "Tunel," a new transportation option connecting Karakoy and Galata, enhanced connectivity.

 Beyoglu transformed into a hub of high consumption, characterized by large family houses, prominent khans, luxurious passages, tortuna (horse-drawn carriages), restaurants, theaters, cabarets, and shops.

Impact of Migration and Slum Transformation:

 Influx of migrants and deteriorating conditions led to the transformation of Istanbul's suburbs into slums.

 Areas like Kasimpasha, Haskoy, and certain parts of Uskudar became home to low-income groups, exhibiting distinct lifestyles compared to Pera.

 The growth of scattered and contiguous settlements contributed to the challenges of providing municipal services and managing the expanding urban structure.

Expansion Beyond Walls and Urbanization:

 Istanbul expanded beyond its walls and the Pera region, experiencing growth in surrounding areas due to improved transportation.

 Kadikoy and Uskudar witnessed dense urbanization, influenced by the convenience of transportation and migration patterns.

 The expansion beyond the walls affected civil society, as well as the palace and state institutions, reshaping the urban environment and weakening central governance [15].

The Creation of Beyoglu District:

 The process of creating the Beyoğlu district began, separating it from the traditional space of the historic peninsula in terms of functionality and self-perception.

 The utilization of this territory led to the emergence of two-sided structures catering to different social classes, reflecting the evolving urban dynamics.

 The influence of foreign investments and local influences shaped the urban environment along this axis.

These results provide insights into the historical evolution of Istanbul's suburbs, including the factors driving suburbanization, the impact on the city's spatial structure, and the social and economic consequences of these developments [17].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the historical evolution of Istanbul's spatial structure reveals significant changes and transformations over the centuries. From the rebuilding of the city during the reign of Bayezid II in 1510 to the influence of the Renaissance on the Ottoman elite, Istanbul experienced various shifts in its urban development.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Istanbul underwent a process of Westernization, becoming a symbolic hub of civilization and transitioning from a self-sufficient capital to a capital dependent on foreign influences [3]. This expansion extended beyond the city center towards Galata and Beyoglu, leading to the emergence of new centers and axes that shaped the urban space. The introduction of the "Tunel" as a new transportation option connecting Karakoy and Galata, along with the transformation of Beyoglu into a hub of high consumption, contributed to the changing dynamics of the city.

The emergence of suburbs in the 19th century played a crucial role in Istanbul's spatial development. Improved transportation infrastructure allowed destinations like Kadıkoy, Bakirkoy, Yeshilkoy, and Tarabya-Yenikoy to become significant suburban centers. However, despite these advancements, Istanbul remained an underdeveloped metropolitan center characterized by a coexistence of various transportation modes and the emergence of slums due to an influx of migrants from Anatolia and Rumeli.

The spatial structure of Istanbul during this period was marked by the development of small centers located far apart from each other, lacking a coherent system. The growth of scattered and contiguous settlements led to a sprawling urban structure that surpassed its population's needs, presenting a primary challenge in providing municipal services [18].

The transformation of Istanbul and its expansion beyond its walls had wide-ranging impacts on the city. While efforts were made to repair damaged areas and enhance the commercial vitality of the city through extensive renovation works, the influence of central governance weakened as Istanbul experienced an interruption or expansion of urban space. The emergence of dense urbanization in places like Kadikoy and Uskudar further contributed to these changes.

The process of creating the Beyoglu district as a separate entity from the historic peninsula marked a significant shift in functionality and self-perception. This led to the formation of two-sided structures catering to different social classes, reflecting the evolving urban environment along this axis through foreign investments and local influences.

Overall, the historical evolution of Istanbul's spatial structure demonstrates the complex interplay between social, economic, and political factors, as well as the influence of external cultural and architectural trends. Understanding these historical developments is crucial for comprehending the present-day urban landscape of Istanbul and its ongoing transformation.

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Citation link

Yilmazsoy, B.K.E. Formation of the structure of districts of Istanbul in the Ottoman period //Architecton: Proceedings of Higher Education. – 2023. – №3(83). – URL: http://archvuz.ru/en/2023_3/21/  – doi: 10.47055/19904126_2023_3(83)_21

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