What shapes classical architecture traditions outside the West?

Non-Western classical architecture encompasses rich regional traditions, such as classical Ottoman architecture, which flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries. Strongly influenced by Byzantine structures like the Hagia Sophia, Ottoman architects blended these forms with new elements to solve complex problems of space and proportion. Contemporary movements also occasionally reference non-Western styles from a postmodern perspective alongside traditional revivals.

What we know

• Classical Ottoman architecture is a period primarily spanning the 16th and 17th centuries, heavily associated with Chief Court Architect Mimar Sinan. [3]
• Ottoman architecture during its classical period was strongly influenced by Byzantine architecture, notably the Hagia Sophia. [3]
• New Classical architecture is a contemporary movement that can occasionally reference non-Western styles from a postmodern perspective. [2]

Where to go next

• whoWho was Mimar Sinan and what are his masterpieces?
• what caused itHow did Byzantine architecture shape Ottoman design?
• the bigger pictureWhat defines contemporary New Classical architecture?
• whenHow did Ottoman architecture change during the Tulip Period?
• compared withHow do classical styles differ between Western and Ottoman traditions?
• an unexpected connectionHow do postmodern designers view historical styles?Modern New Classical architecture sometimes incorporates non-Western styles through a postmodern lens rather than executing strict historical revivals.

Sources

• [1]New Classical architecture (Wikidata Q50084199) · CC0 1.0
• [2]New Classical architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Classical Ottoman architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]A History of Western Architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]History of architecture · CC BY-SA 4.0