Representation of the imperial image through public buildings during the Abdulhamit II Period

During the 19th century Ottoman Empire tired to reform the goverment system in order tor everse the tide of decline and disintegration which started after the military defeats against the european powers. The reign of Abdulhamit II. lasting during the last quarter of the 19th century and the begining of the 20th century saw efforts to create an imperial image to make the symbolic presence of the sultan and the state visible and increase the loyality of the subjects in the provinces of the empire. The economic and social transformation of the ottoman cities increased during the 19th century with increased connections with the european countries and increased integration with the european economies. New public buildings and momuments and urban projects gave the Ottoman cities a similar style and look. This study aims to document the development of the provincial centers and other cities with political and strategical importance during the reign of Abdulhamit II. and discuss the perception of architecture as an instrument of the imperial politics through construction of public buildings and monuments aiming to declare the imperial strenght to unify the empire along with ceremonies and other manifestations of imperial image. Anahtar Kelimeler: II.Abdülhamit, Ottoman city, public buildings, monuments