Interior Water Elements in Ottoman Palaces: A Comparative Analysis of Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces
Deniz Demirarslan
Abstract. The present research intends to highlight how water played not just the role of a vital resource and a part of a technical system in Ottoman palace architecture, but also became an important factor affecting the spatial layout, functional zoning, and sensory ambience of interiors. Within this context, Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace were compared, and their water-related elements were analyzed according to their spatial positioning, typology, functionality, and sensory aspect. The current research is founded upon a qualitative approach and was carried out by means of reading books and articles, working with archive materials, visiting the objects of interest and taking photographs thereof. It turns out that, at Topkapı Palace, various water-related elements including fountains, selsebils, shadirvans, and pools were placed in a natural way across the interior and served certain purposes such as cooling, relaxing, ensuring privacy, and representing the owner's social status. Meanwhile, in the case of Dolmabahçe Palace, water seems to be mostly applied in the context of modern plumbing, hygiene, comfort, and services systems. This way, while at Topkapı Palace water can be considered as a sensory element, it becomes quite technical in Dolmabahçe Palace.
Keywords: Ottoman architecture, interior architecture, Westernization, hammam, fountain