ORIENTALISM IN THE LEVANT: SARIKISLA MILITARY OFFICE BUILDING, AS A LOST EXAMPLE OF ORIENTALIST ARCHITECTURE IN IZMIR

Abstract

This study aims to examine the history of the military Office building, which built in addition to the Sarikisla building in Izmir, one of the most important port cities of the Ottoman Empire, and to emphasize the importance of this building in terms of architectural history. The military office, which was dated to the beginning of the 20th century, was destroyed in 1955 with the Sarikisla, where it attached, after being used for nearly 50 years, and was replaced by the space called Konak Square today. However, neither Sarikisla nor the military office were forgotten after their destruction. Both structures are still present in the collective memory of the citizens, albeit indistinctly. Although it is not mentioned in detail in this study, Sarikisla building is one of the most important buildings of the city considering its location and size despite its simple character. Military office, on the other hand, is a qualified structure that bears the characteristics of the orientalist style in its architectural elements and decoration motifs in a way that contrasts with Sarikisla. It’s a fact, there is no comprehensive study on orientalist architecture in Izmir. It is difficult to make an inclusive and detailed assessment, as the structures showing these features are few. However, the fact that the Clock Tower, which is one of the most important structures of the city, is in the orientalist style is a sign that this style has a considerable effect on the city, especially at the turn of the century. Despite its special architecture, it is not possible to reach a detailed research or drawings on the structure of the military office. There is also no information on the architect of the building. Only some predictions can be made about this subject. Raymond Charles Péré, the architect of the Clock Tower, which was built in 1901 right in front of the military office and also has orientalist features, is the first name that comes to mind. The fact that the architect of the fountain pool in the courtyard of Sarıkışla is also Péré strengthens this possibility. About the construction date, as a result of the information obtained within the scope of the study, it was determined that the construction date of the said building should most probably be between 1913-1922.