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.Traditional Turkish Seljuk House Design
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.Turkish Seljuk-Style House Types
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.Turkish Seljuk-Style House Characteristics
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.Seljuk Architecture Features in Buildings
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.Planning Requirements for Turkish Seljuk-Style Houses
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.Turkish Seljuk Interior Design Concepts
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 Influence of the Seljuks on Ottoman Building Style
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.Seljuk Craftsmen and Artisans in Turkish Architecture
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.Construction Techniques Used in Seljuk Houses
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.Seljuk-Style Gardens and Grounds in Turkish 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. Mythology and Symbolism in Turkish Seljuk-Style Houses
The Historic Turkish Seljuk-Style House
The Turkish Seljuk-style house is an architectural style derived from the Anatolian Turkish Seljuk Empire (1071-1307 AD). It is characterized by its unique roof forms, intricate carvings in doorways, delicate brickwork, and timber tracery. This style of architecture is known for its remarkable build quality and Rug-like aesthetic, as the roofs of Seljuk-style houses are entirely roofed with wooden layers rather than traditional clay tiles.
The iconic roof of a Seljuk-style house is the defining feature of the architecture. Its distinct angular shape is created from sloped roofs that circle the sides of the home in a distinctive kind of regular zigzag pattern. The patterns created from the wooden upstands create distinctive shadows on the walls of the house, which gives it a distinctive look. The roof is made of timber and is built using a method called “flat edge joining.” This technique allows for precision construction and a strong roof.
The Critical Ingredient in Seljuk-Style Houses: Crafting Intricate Brickwork with Precision
The beauty of the Turkish Seljuk-style house stems largely from the intricate patterns and carvings in its brickwork. Carved into the blockwork of the walls are elaborate motifs, often detailed with flowers and geometric shapes found throughout the walls of the house. The brickwork is built with precision and artistry, oftentimes with a certain kind of artistic flair. The brickwork's designs often reflect the historical, cultural and religious elements of the region in which the houses were built.
Modern Houses That Echo the Style of the Seljuk Era
Modern architecture today often incorporates elements of the Seljuk-style house, as it honors the heritage of the area and pays tribute to the unique architectural style. Interior and exterior elements, such as archways and detailing with intricate carvings, can be found in modern homes that echo the style of the Seljuk era.
The Timeless Appeal of the Turkish Seljuk-Style House
The Turkish Seljuk-style house's captivating roof, intricate brickwork and detailing, and influence on modern-day architecture make it an iconic style of architecture. With its unique design and timeless appeal, it is not a surprise that this type of house is highly sought after by modern homeowners.