Armenian Architects of Istanbul

In the era of Westernization, also known as Ottoman Modernization, that took place throughout the entire 19th century and in the early 20th century, transformed the physical appearance of Istanbul. First and foremost the Balians, but also other Armenian architects such as Ohannes Serverian, Mgrdich Charkian, Bedros Nemtze, Mihran Azarian, Hovsep Aznavur, Levon Gureghian, the brothers Aram and Isaac Karakash, Kegham Kavafian, Yetvart Terzian, Andon and Garabed Tulbendjian, who in earlier periods received their initial training within the industry, but later also graduated from schools in European countries, and ultimately graduated from the School of Fine Arts, played a great role in this transformation. This book is prepared to introduce the Armenian architects who contributed to Istanbul’s architectural richness with their works and is the first attempt of its kind.

We hope that it will inspire the academic studies in the field to be carried out in the future.