Explore 57+ Charming Turkish Seljuk-style House With Many New Styles

The design of the traditional Turkish Seljuk house is distinct and iconic, and provides one of the most distinctive cultural symbols of Turkey and its architecture. These houses were originally constructed for the ruling Seljuk class and incorporated a range of features to suit their needs, such as extensive use of patterned tiles on the facade, multiple domes, and special ornamentation. As a result, they became a trademark of Turkish architecture, influencing the designs of other cultures as well.

The Turkish Seljuk house was typically constructed of clay, stone, or wood and usually stood between two and three stories in height. Its exterior was often ornately decorated with intricate tile patterns and double chimneys in a style similar to the traditional Ottoman style. Other elements included use of columns and arches, along with distinctive and symmetrical windows.

The uniqueness of the Seljuk House design was rooted in its combination of innovative elements with traditional motifs in a totally balanced fashion. These included towers and turrets, geometric patterns, and other features which gave it a distinct look. As the Seljuk Empire expanded, the design of Seljuk houses spread to various parts of the world, where it continues to be a source of inspiration to this day.

Seljuk-style houses are divided into four types: early period, high period, mature period, and late period. Early period houses were constructed before the 13th century, when the Seljuk Empire was established. They had simpler designs and most of the features that later characterized the Seljuk model were absent. High period houses, which were built in the 13th century and lasted until the middle of the 14th century, featured larger columns and higher arches. Mature period houses, from the mid-14th to the late 15th centuries, saw a more ornate use of patterns and decorations, with large domes featuring multiple openings that allowed light to penetrate more easily. The late period, from the late 15th century until the fall of the Seljuk Empire in the 16th century, saw a further refinement of the Seljuk-style house, with numerous decorative flourishes that were absent from earlier versions.

The most classic and recognizable characteristics of a Seljuk-style house are its symmetrical lines and proportions, and the large central courtyard surrounded by a deep porch with a semi-circular arch above it. The entrance from the courtyard into the house would be through a large multi-paneled door with a lintel of traditional patterns. The walls of the house were usually made of red brick, and the floors of the courtyard and porch were decorated in geometric tiles or trellis patterns. Traditional Islamic motifs were also heavily present in the house, from the entrance arch to the wooden frames of the windows.

During the period of the Seljuks, various innovative architecture features and materials were used in the construction of buildings. The most common feature was the large domes, which were first introduced by the Seljuks and later adopted by the Ottomans. The domes were mainly used in mosques, as well as in palace buildings. In addition, the Seljuks employed a variety of ornate decorative patterns, both in the interior and on the façades of buildings. Wooden frames with geometric patterns, and multi-paneled floors, doors, and windows were also introduced.

The main planning requirements for a Seljuk-style house were that it should spatial dominance in an open courtyard, have a semi-open large porch in the Eastern side, and that all elements should be constructed symmetrically. The entrance to the house must also be carefully crafted, and the large, multi-paneled door should have a lintel adorned with intricate designs. The inner part of the house should be divided into an inner garden and small, interconnected rooms, and the floor should be covered in mosaic tiles or marble. However, due to the limited availability of resources and techniques during the Seljuk period, only wealthier people could afford to construct houses that resembled the general principles established by the Seljuks.

Interior design concepts from the Seljuk era were heavily influenced by Islamic religion and Arab culture. As such, the houses were typically decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy, and geometric and foliated ornamental carvings. Traditional Islamic motifs such as arabesques were heavily used, and the bright, geometric colors that they produce gave the houses their unique, eye-catching appearance. In addition, traditional construction materials such as wood, stone, clay and marble were commonly used, resulting in strong thermal insulation and durability.

The Ottoman Empire, which succeeded the Seljuks in 15th century, adopted many of the Seljuks’ architectural principles and elements. One very visible effect of this transference is the Saraya, a Turkish palace or inn which was based on the use of symmetrical lines, large central courtyards, and multiple domes. In addition, the use of richly decorated walls and columns, and large entrances with semi-arched frames, are another sign of the Seljuks’ influence on Ottoman architecture.

The Seljuks and Ottoman Empires attracted many skilled craftsmen and artisans who were integral to the development of Turkish architecture. Craftsmen worked to produce high-quality pieces of Potterware, which were used to decorate both the interiors and exteriors of buildings. In addition, tile makers, weavers, and carpenters also played a crucial role in the development of Seljuk-style homes. As a result of these craftsmen, the structures of these houses were often elaborate and beautiful, with intricately designed facades, domes, and walls.

Although the traditional construction techniques used in Seljuk houses are no longer in use today, they were still quite advanced for their time. The walls were typically made from red brick, while the roof structures employed multiple domes to provide both structural stability and a pleasing aesthetic. In addition, the house often featured intricate wood trimmings in the form of geometric patterns or carvings, which were used to decorate the doorways, windows, and other elements of the house.

Towards the end of the Seljuk period, traditional grounds and gardens began to appear in many Turkish houses. These gardens typically featured ponds filled with fish, and featured a range of plants and trees, including palms, cypress trees, poplars, and acacias. The grounds were also usually decorated with fountains, statues, and other ornaments. In addition, trellises and arches were placed around the gardens to provide a sense of privacy for the dwellers of the houses.

The Seljuks often used a variety of symbols and myths to decorate their houses. These included stylized representations of trees, animals, dragons, and butterflies, as well as Islamic words and symbols. These myths and symbols often made reference to the occupant’s religion and position in society. For example, a dragon symbolized strength and power, while an owl symbolized wisdom. These symbols often had a profound effect on the occupants, instilling a sense of belonging and pride in their home.