The effect of Beyhan Sultan on the economic social and architectural change of Istanbul: 1766-1824

In the stage of history, Ottoman Empire took attention with its military and diplomatic triumphs as well as the people in the Dynasty. Lives of Sultans' Sons, Valide Sultans and Damat Pashas in the searching of balance have been research subjects. Although mentioned often, the daughters of the Dynasty haven't gone off the subject of 'Harem' in History Research, due to the positions of their husbands or mothers. Therefore, according to present researches and appearance of 20th Century Princesses, the image of 'unhappy, melancholic, spoilt, lavish' Princess was created. However, in reality, the lives of these special women of Noble Heritage can not be consisted of just pleasure, passion and melancholy. As a member of privileged family, they got the best education and went on their life more freely than Ottoman Princes. In particular, Ottoman Sultans, living in the first half period of 19th Century, found opportunity to stating their individualism more differently than those before and after them. And each of their different characteristics and perspectives lead to changes of Ottoman Empire centered in Istanbul from different points. In this case, changes in city and women appeared an inevitable fact. That is the reason why this study focuses on Beyhan Sultan, daughter of Mustafa III, in the portrait of townswoman. Beyhan Sultan, who made a big contribution to architecture during the first half of 19th century, is a symbol of Istanbul extending from historical peninsula to Bosphorus. Sultan's different identity was all studied over the books kept by herself and present in the Ottoman Archives; and ıt was clearly seen that her construction works continued until the end of her life. Mustafa III, father of Beyhan Sultan, assigned Cağaloğlu Palace to her at her early age. However, Beyhan Sultan kept up with new urbanization which started on the shores of Golden Horn by the woman of the Dynasty in the period of Selim III and she restored Çırağan Palace, one of the famous sites of Lale Devri (Tulip Period). Lastly, building a palace in Akıntı Burnu, Beyhan Sultan contributed to Istanbul's new urban identity which later became famous for its palaces. The study points out the characteristics of Beyhan Sultan that her life started as a privilege due to her being a daughter of a Sultan. She maintained wise investment as soon as her brother, Selim III came to throne and following the period of Mahmud II, she protected her power and authority. In the first chapter, the life and family relationship of Beyhan Sultan as a woman living her life economically was examined. In the second chapter, the economic and social effects of Beyhan Sultan on Istanbul life were researched. It was also emphasized that Beyhan Sultan had commercial activities especially among women in spite of her uncrowded surroundings and She maintained powerful and steady social and economic relations. The last chapter indicated her contribution to Istanbul architecture. Beyhan Sultan's contributions to Istanbul and to people living there were presented by examining the charitable contributions such as the fountains built and restored in Istanbul known as water civilization. The Life of Beyhan Sultan demonstrates that women who live and will live in Istanbul, inarguably has created an identity for her. In the study, this identity is clearly clarified.