Squares in Ottoman İstanbul (1453-1826) evaluation in terms of form and function

The Ottoman Empire, by making Istanbul the capital city after the conquest, controlled it for about five hundred centuries and developed a sui generis life here. Although it has undergone some changes and transformations over time, this life style has more or less spread to every member of the Ottoman society. The society basically acts within the framework of the scientific and cultural life of the Islamic Civilization. On the other hand, the Turks, who are the founding elements, have not forgotten the life practices that their ancestors brought from regions such as Central Asia. Generally, these two factors have been decisive in the attitude of the state and the people in social activities. The shaping of the cities, architectural order and construction activities were the result of overhauling the inherited local physical environment through the two mentioned elements. Consequently, the squares in Istanbul attained their pre-modern Turkish/Islamic forms in this process. For centuries, the Ottoman Empire which had a strong place in states system; held ceremonies, weddings and entertainments worthy of the empire in the squares of Istanbul. The citizens met the needs of all the necessities of social life in these open spaces. Often soldiers and from time to time the other social classes were able to make themselves visible through the squares. As a result, the squares of Istanbul which are specialized in one or more subjects, indispensable areas for the city dwellers. The squares, which spread to the Galata and Üsküdar regions as well as Old City, could appear at required anywhere of city in various shapes and sizes. In this study, basically, searching for answer to the physical condition of the squares in Istanbul, and alongside, how they are used in the eyes of the state and the public.