Grave monuments with figures in 19 th century at Greek, Armenian and Levanten graveyards in İstanbul

The subject of thesis consists of grave monuments with figures of 19th century at Greek, Armenian and Levantine graveyards in İstanbul. Although the monuments in the cemeteries are handled in this study primarily, monumental figured grave steles in the monastery, church, crypt with its gardens and hospital gardens are also discussed. The monumental conspicuous grave steles with sculptures and carvings are made like social and religious buildings along with the social rights and property acquiring right given to non-Muslims especially in 19th century. These monuments present the reflections of the social wishes and needs of the families, skills of the craftsmen, the emergence of the monumental sculpture artisans as an occupation in this century, the iconographic demands of the sects and grave steles and sculptures seen in Europe in the same century. Parallel appeals between the grave types and architectural trends is noteworthy. Neoclassic, Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Greek, Neo-Egypt and Neo-Gothic affected monuments were carved. At these monuments, sarcophagus, panel, cross, coffin shaped old grave types which had been used for centuries were preferred besides new grave types unfamiliar to İstanbul. The grave sculptures imported from Europe also attract attention. Some grave monuments were carved by famous sculptor, monumental grave artisan or architects of that period. The architects, sculptures and grave craftsmen worked at these monuments like European artists such as French sculptors Marius Jean Antonin Mercié known for sculptures decorating the walls of Louvre Museum, Luigi Giona, Geroloma Fiasch, George Bonanos, Lazaros Sohos, Vitsares, Tombros recognised as important sculptures of Greece, architects of the period from Tinos island such as the families of Liritis, Krikelis, Ziotis, Periklis Fotiadis, Panayotidis and Armenian sculptures such as Papazyan ve Yervant Osgan. Keywords: İstanbul, Ottoman, Non-Muslim, Greek, Armenian, Levanten, Latin, Grave Monuments, Sculpture, Scupltor, Iconography