Examples of Two Ottoman Houses in Suakin Island Sevâkin’de Osmanlılara Atfedilen İki Ev Örneği

Abstract

© 2022 Istanbul University Press. All rights reserved.Suakin island has been one of East Africa's most important ports for trade with Egypt, India, Arabia Indian Ocean countries on the Red Sea coast since ancient times. However, Suakin’s star, both commercially and architecturally, shone after being taken under Ottoman administration. According to literature, since the XVIth century, settlements made of wood have been replaced by buildings from coral. It is believed that the Ottoman Empire influenced this change by providing a safe environment, constructing various buildings for the city's needs, and building a mansion for the pasha assigned to the city. Although there was no “Turkification” effort in the reconstruction activities in general, the administrative and commercial activities carried out across three continents caused architectural elements to be carried between the regions and sometimes, develop a new version. Architectural elements combined with Islamic culture and tradition kept up with local styles. The houses are known as Hurşid Effendi and Pasha’s House in Suakin as best examples.