‘The centralised system provided a uniform decorative style throughout the vast Ottoman lands.’
The Ottoman Empire was a centralised state run by officials who were specially educated at the court. This system had a profound affect on Ottoman art by providing a uniform decorative style throughout the vast Ottoman lands. The architects and craftsmen who ornamented the Topkapı Palace, and who also worked in Istanbul and in the rest of the empire, were under the control of the Imperial Head Architect.
Artist’s workshops (ateliers) were first established in Edirne then, following the conquest of Istanbul, were set up in the Topkapı Palace. But the systematic organisation of craftsmen began in the early 9th / 15th century. Sometimes craftsmen from the guilds in Istanbul, or an artisan from another part of the empire, would opt to work within a particular workshop on invitation.
Construction began in hegira 9th century / AD 15th century, during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II (his second reign: AH 855–86 / AD 1451–81); the last addition was made under Sultan Abdülmecid ['Abd al-Majid] (r. AH 1255–77 / AD 1839–61) in hegira 13th century / AD 19th century Ottoman
Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Both empire and arts were directed from the Topkapı Palace where the palace ateliers were housed and numerous designers employed.