Tiny Bird Mansions Of The Ottoman Empire

By | August 30, 2019

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One of the more elaborate Ottoman birdhouses. Source: (pinterest.com)

While it no longer exists, the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from the 14th to the early 20th century, was once one of the most powerful empires in the world. It encompassed a large area which includes present-day Turkey. The capital city of Constantinople was the center of Ottoman art and architecture. Among that architecture were beautiful mosques, palaces, and fortresses. Also, among that architecture were birdhouses which, despite being a great deal smaller, were equally impressive.

These birdhouses were attached to the outer walls of important buildings such as mosques, inns, libraries, and schools as well as bridges and fountains. In many cases, they matched the shape and style of the structure to which they were attached. They consisted of multiple stories and were designed to accommodate a wide variety of birds, including pigeons, sparrows, and swallows.

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The Ottoman Empire. Source: (realhistoryww.com)

There were two types of birdhouses. The first type was actually built into the structure of which it was a part, having been built at the same time. This allowed the front of the birdhouse to be flush with the side of the building. The other type protruded out from the structure and was most likely added sometime after the original structure was built. The second type of birdhouse was often made of wood and, as a result, only a few have them still exist.