“Birdhouses”:
An Enduring Ottoman Legacy of Architectural Compassion

Istanbul,
15 Sep (ONA) — The birdhouses built into the walls of historic mosques from
the Ottoman period continue to preserve their distinctive charm as symbols of
both architectural elegance and animal welfare. The Turkish people have long
been known for their notable care toward the animals and birds inhabiting their
cities and villages.

Architectural
features and structures embodying this culture of protection and kindness—which
the Ottomans diligently designed and constructed in various forms and
sizes—remain visible today on the walls of palaces, houses, mosques, and
schools. They stand as enduring testaments to the highest values of compassion
and beauty during the era of Ottoman rule.

Turkish
historian Sedat Yılmaz stated in an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA) that
Ottoman engineers consistently adorned buildings from their era—including
palaces, mosques, tombs, inns, and fountains—with bird nests shaped like
miniature palaces. He noted that great attention was given to birds, with a
variety of nest designs integrated into the walls of houses, creating beautiful
compositions that reflect deep humanity, aesthetic sensibility, and kindness
toward animals.

These
structures, also known as “kuş evleri” (birdhouses) or “sparrow
palaces,” began appearing in Ottoman architecture as early as the 16th
century, reaching their peak in the 18th century. They were widely integrated
into many buildings and palaces using brick, stone, and wood—materials that
have allowed them to survive to the present day.

Beyond
their aesthetic and architectural value, these birdhouses were meticulously
constructed according to important functional criteria. They were placed at the
highest possible point on a building or wall to protect the birds from
predators and other dangers, and were oriented toward sunlight and away from
northern winds.

Over
time, the craft of building stone bird nests during the Ottoman period evolved
into a refined art form, comparable to other architectural marvels of the time.
These structures gradually came to resemble miniature versions of the buildings
they were attached to—whether mosques, palaces, or schools—and became iconic
elements of Ottoman architectural culture. Architects of the era even competed
to design the most beautiful among them.

Today,
these historical birdhouses can be found throughout Turkey, particularly in
Istanbul. They did not merely decorate and enliven the façades of majestic
Ottoman buildings—they also served as an alternative to the sculptures and
figural reliefs popular in Western empires, reflecting a distinct aesthetic and
ethical sensibility unique to Ottoman civilization.

—
Ends/Khalid