Over the course of a many thousand year history, the Anatolian penninsula has been alternately dominated by both Eastern and Western influences. Many a conquering empire and fortune-seeking migrant have entered that continental gateway between Europe and Asia. Turkey remains enriched by legacies they left behind. In Turkey, intertwined yet seemingly incompatible cultures have often found unique and harmonious expression.

Turkish culture under the Ottomans was a blend of Byzantine, Persian, Islamic, nomadic tribal influences. Istanbul was a cosmopolitan center, with a population mix of orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Ottoman society was dynamic and remarkably diverse in its ethnic make-up. Known to encourage and even celebrate this diversity, the Sultans regularly commissioned music and art forms which freely absorbed traditions from the many peoples living under Ottoman rule.

In Ottoman society, ethnic communities retained much of their culture as well as a degree of political independence. Intermarriage was accepted and laws were tolerant of religious and cultural differences. Consequently, the Orthodox Church maintained a generally peaceful relationship with the Ottoman government. Early Christian Byzantium - with its many magnificent churches and monasteries - holds a well honored place in Turkish history alongside the glories of the Ottoman age. The famous cave churches of Cappadocia are an intriguing stop on any visit to Turkey.

Seeking out Turkey’s past, present, and multi-layered heritage can be a fascinating exercise in itself. At a high point, Ottoman lands held a collection of graceful, light-filled structures – mosques, churches, and synagogues. The Ottoman capital was a garden of elevated skylines and fountained courtyards. Known as the “Golden Age” by reason of the tremendous geographic expansion, trade, and economic growth that occurred during this time, the 16th century interval of Suleiman the Magnificent changed the face of Istanbul.

During the same period of history when Italian architects were experimenting with the domed structure, Ottoman architects were doing the same. An avid builder in the Ottoman capital of Istanbul and other cities, Suleiman commissioned the construction of mosques and schools, as well as hospices, bathhouses, soup kitchens, markets, shops, and caravanserais. Ottoman architects typically drew inspiration from the both Eastern and Western traditions – from the domed tent structures of their nomadic past, from Persian, Arab, and much later from Italian baroque and French rococo styles, and also from the greatly admired Byzantine Haya Sofia.

Pushing Progress In the 1920’s, when Turkey emerged as a modern state, the city of Ankara was chosen as the new capital, and building was ordered according to the principles of modern architecture. The intention was to make a part with the past, and subsequently, the Ankara landscape features many buildings engineered with the clean lines of modernism, but also some interesting and innovative blends of traditional styles conceived in new ways.

The Turkish push for modernity has brought progress to country corners and old quarters. At the same time, it has taken a toll on the design tradition of the Ottoman residence. Born in Istanbul, the wooden house was carried to the glimmering Bosphorus seaside by dignitaries of the Empire. The simple architecture is a charming testament to particular refinement of Ottoman design, but remains a rapidly vanishing feature of the Turkish landscape.