Art patronage of valide sultans in the Ottoman period

In the Ottoman Empire, the harem evolved into an institutional structure and became a significant part of the palace. At the highest rank within the hierarchical order of the harem were the valide sultans, who were recognized as the most esteemed women of the palace and held a prominent position within the imperial court. Known for their considerable influence, valide sultans devoted themselves to charitable endeavors as part of their esteemed status. They established various foundations (waqfs) and commissioned structures of different types and functions, contributing significantly to the socio-economic and cultural identity of cities through their architectural patronage. Although thirty-six Ottoman sultans ascended to the throne, only the mothers of twenty-three of them held the title of "Valide Sultan". This study examines the status of valide sultans in the harem, their lives, and their artistic and architectural engagements during the reigns of their sons. Within this scope, a diverse range of architectural structures commissioned by valide sultans including külliyes, mosques, masjids, fountains, schools, madrasas, dârülmaârif (educational institutions), darüşşifas, fortresses, caravanserais, bazaars, and bridges have been analyzed. The study aims to determine the types of buildings constructed, the most frequently built architectural forms, and the regions where these structures were concentrated. Furthermore, the architectural works commissioned by valide sultans have been evaluated in comparison with contemporary structures of the period. In the Ottoman Empire, significant architectural works were not solely commissioned by sultans and statesmen but also by the valide sultans, who held the highest authority within the imperial harem. This thesis aims to highlight the role of women in this field and their contributions to art and architecture. The structures commissioned by valide sultans exhibit architectural characteristics and functions similar to those constructed by sultans and statesmen of the period. Although the Ottoman Empire is generally regarded as a male-dominated structure, the buildings commissioned by valide sultans hold great significance, not only in the realms of art and culture but also as symbols of power. Keywords: Turkish-Islamic Arts, Ottoman, Harem, Valide Sultan, Patronage