Ottoman Treasures: Niches and Birdhouses
“By creating spaces that embrace both humans and animals, an opportunity emerges to foster harmonious coexistence.”
By Khadeine Ali
It is easy to get lost in the spectacle of the sublime while walking through the open courtyards of Turkey’s mosques. To look up at the myriad of blue tiling and intricate doming is obvious. What is not is to look down and marvel at the ingenuity of the Ottoman builders. Within the confines of the marble flooring, shallow niches are strategically placed, collecting rainwater for the stray cats of Istanbul. This unassuming architectural feature speaks volumes about the Ottomans’ reverence for all living beings and their commitment to harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. By delving into the design and purpose of these niches, we gain valuable insights into the wisdom of the Ottomans and their connection to Islam, shedding light on a historical precedent of designing architecture with profound consideration for animals.
The presence of these niches represents the Ottomans’ compassionate regard for animals. Cats, cherished not only as graceful companions but also as guardians of the city’s cleanliness, played a pivotal role in keeping vermin at bay and preventing the spread of disease in Istanbul. The act of providing water for animals, stemming from the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, exemplifies the inherited kindness and compassion that was central to Ottoman society. Within the mosque settings, these nurturing acts toward cats became symbolic reminders of faith and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
In addition to their concern for cats, the Ottomans displayed their empathy for birds through ornately designed birdhouses adorning the walls of homes, schools, and other buildings throughout Istanbul. These birdhouses served as sanctuaries for native pigeons and sparrows, whose habitats had been disrupted during the city’s development. The Ottomans’ benevolence toward birds mirrors the devotional allegory embodied in the floor niches, underscoring the significance of kindness toward animals and the integration of faith into all aspects of Ottoman life.
The floor niches and birdhouses offer profound insights into the Ottomans’ perception of their relationship with nature. These examples are significant precedents for architectural designs that acknowledge animals as essential stakeholders. By creating spaces that embrace both humans and animals, an opportunity emerges to foster harmonious coexistence. Instead of displacing the animals integral to the natural landscapes, the Ottomans employed architecture as a mediator, providing refuge for animals amidst the rapid urban expansion. These forms exemplify the Ottomans’ commitment to the well-being of animals by offering safety, shelter, and support. They were expressions of the built environment that preserved culture and religion while rehabilitating and protecting wild animal populations.
The presence of these inclusive architectural features prompts meaningful ethical discussions concerning stray animals and our responsibility towards them. They resonate with the ongoing discourse on environmental awareness, the persistent challenge of wildlife conservation, and the search for innovative ways to safeguard animal welfare within urban environments. The niches and birdhouses are a testament to the Ottoman Empire’s recognition of the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. They are a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world, even within bustling cities. Drawing inspiration from these architectural interventions, contemporary urban planning can aspire to create spaces that accommodate and respect the needs of both human and animal inhabitants. By embracing the past, we can pave the way toward a more sustainable and compassionate future where animals are not perceived as intruders but as integral members of our shared ecosystems.
P.S. The legacy of kindness to animals by the Ottomans lives on today in Turkey. Cat houses of various styles and facades offer solace and shelter amidst Istanbul’s bustling streets. People leave bowls of food out for stray cats and dogs, and similar water niches (as mentioned in the article) can be found in the parts of the cobblestone pavement.
This piece was written as part of the SVA Design Writing & Research Online Summer Intensive 2023. Learn more at designresearch.sva.edu.
