Incredibly Elaborate Birdhouses of Ottoman Architecture

[Image Source: Caner Cangül]

The tiny avian homes were thought to grant the good deeds to those that took the care an effort to build them. Birds were seen as important but lonely citizens of the city and care was made to make them feel safe and welcome. Over time, the birdhouses became important architectural monuments for Turkish citizens and they gained several loving nicknames including “kuş köşkü” (bird pavilions), “güvercinlik” (dovecotes) and “serçe sarayı” (sparrow palace).

The design of the houses tends to fall into two categories. Houses that were built at the same time as the main building are often built as part of the larger structure and the birdhouse frontage is flush with the building's facade. The other type of house sees the birdhouse extrude from the building. This type may have been a later addition to the original architecture.

[Image Source: Caner Cangül]

Unfortunately, the houses added later were often made of wood and have only a few examples survived. While the trend was predominantly focussed in Istanbul, examples of birdhouses can be seen in many cities across the nation including Kırklareli, Tekirdağ, Edirne, Bolu, Bursa, Milas, Antalya, Amasya, Kayseri, Ankara, Nevşehir, Sivas, Erzurum, Şanlıurfa and Doğubeyazıt.

[Image Source: Caner Cangül]

It is thought the birdhouses played a role in developing a culture of animal protection and care in Turkey. Animals in the city are given particular respect, particularly those in need. Birds were often fed and 'adopted' by children who would visit particular birdhouses on their way to pray. The expression of love and care for birds even made its way into the literature of Turkey. One of Turkey's most famous poets, Mehmet Zaman Saçlıoğlu, writes in his poem, ‘Bird Houses’;

The outer walls of houses should be bird houses

That take wing when children laugh.

Even if it’s winter outside,

The summer sun should rise inside the walls

And happiness will also warm the birds.

[Image Source: Caner Cangül]

Many of the birdhouses no longer exist due to weathering or alterations to the original building. But beautiful examples can still be seen if looked for carefully. The oldest surviving birdhouse is located on the Büyükçekmece Bridge in Istanbul.

Sources: ThisColossal, TurkishCulture

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