Kapılar, Mahremiyet ve Kamusallık: Erken Modern Dönemde İstanbul’un Mekânsal Yapısı (XVII-XVIII. Yüzyıllar)

Abstract

The aim of present dissertation is to develop new concepts for the study of the relation between urban space and public sphere in Istanbul during XVIIth-XVIIIth centuries. To this end, we intended to benefit from the conceptual repertory of the historical sources from the period in question. Initially, we focused on the question how to understand various spaces and space fragments as part of the city s topography. Following this, the ways spaces are conceptualized in the language of the historical resources were analyzed. Eventually, we argued that instead of the dichotomy of private-public, concepts of kapu (household), bâb (door) and mahremiyet (privacy) can be used for a better understanding of spatial structure. It is our contention that these concepts enable us to understand the transitory and diverse character of spaces.