Analysis of the gardens from seljuk period in Antalya

The aim of this research is to find out the parameters that shaped the Seljuk gardens in the context of examples in Antalya. Seljuks was the first Turkish state in Anatolia and, it is for this reason, their garden culture is considered to be the basis of the Turkish garden culture. For this aim, one building complex, two caravanserais and one hunting lodge in Antalya belonged to the Seljuk era were examined. Since very few garden materials could reach to the present day, they were mostly revealed by literature surveys. In this regard, information about courtyards which were important for the outdoor use, elements in the courtyards, garden walls and gates, cemeteries, monuments having sculpture character, irrigation systems and water structures, and the plants were derived from the accounts of travelers as well as from the field surveys. It was determined that Seljuk garden culture was mainly influenced from the Islamic garden culture with some insights from Chinese and Byzantion garden cultures. Seljuk gardens were more modest in comparison to Islamic gardens. These gardens didn't follow any formal design principles. They were well suited to the philosophy of being a part of the nature rather than giving a certain shape to the nature. Away from being spectacular gardens, they were scene to such outdoor activities as banquets, ceremonies, and festives. Plants used in these gardens had a combination of features such as beauty, functionality and utility. In conclusion, it can be said that the Anatolian Seljuk gardens were more functional in nature.