Birdhouses: Symbols of Compassion
Istanbul's tiny mansions known as ‘bird palace,’ ‘sparrow palace,’ or ‘bird pavilion’..
The structures known as "bird palaces," "sparrow palaces," or "bird pavilions" began to appear in Ottoman architecture in the late 17th century and became widespread by the 18th century. These charming birdhouses adorned many buildings across the Ottoman Empire, especially in Istanbul, adding a touch of movement and decoration to the otherwise austere façades that did not employ sculptures and reliefs as extensively as Western architecture.
In the Ottoman Empire, birdhouses were constructed on the walls of various buildings, including pavilions, mosques, masjids, tombs, inns, and fountains. They reflected the society's deep love for animals in an aesthetically pleasing form. From the 17th century onwards, birdhouses began to be built on the façades of buildings in numerous cities and towns across Anatolia and Rumelia, becoming a significant element of national architecture by the 19th century.
The construction of these birdhouses was meticulous. They were built as high as possible to protect the birds from predators. Factors such as wind direction and the angle of sunlight were carefully considered, showcasing a high level of sensitivity and effort in their creation.
One of Istanbul's oldest known birdhouses is found at the Bali Pasha Mosque, constructed in 1504. Another striking example can be seen on the street-facing façade of the Feyzullah Efendi Madrasah, now known as the Fatih Millet Library. Here, a series of bird pavilions sit on three consoles and are covered by a sloped roof, all made entirely of brick. The rear façade of the madrasah features another bird pavilion adorned with star motifs carved from stone.
Though birdhouses are primarily a part of Turkish-Islamic culture, some can also be found in Istanbul's churches and synagogues. For instance, the birdhouses at the Ayios Manastırı in Fener, with their unique architectural style, continue to welcome their feathered guests. These houses, reflecting Turkish architectural characteristics, are not present in any other Christian structures. In the old district of Balat, the Ahirda Synagogue has birdhouses next to the windows on its rear façade, consisting of small pavilions supported by double consoles.
The significance of birdhouses in Ottoman architecture and the general interest in animals did not go unnoticed by foreign travelers. The Italian traveler Edmondo De Amicis, who visited Istanbul in 1874, observed, "There are countless flocks of pigeons fed by the charity of sultans or individuals. The Turks protect and feed the birds, and the birds celebrate around their houses, above the sea, and among the graves. Everywhere in Istanbul, there are birds flying around people."
These birdhouses are more than just architectural features; they are a testament to the compassion and aesthetic sensibilities of Ottoman society. They offer a unique glimpse into a time when even the smallest creatures were considered in the grand designs of a great empire.