A Symbolic Wooden Building in Istanbul: The Amcazade Huseyin Pasha Reception Hall/Divanhane

Abstract

The Amcazade Hüseyin Paşa or Köprülü Reception Room / Divanhane is one of the old, important examples of Ottoman house architecture. This building on the shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul was constructed to house the Austrian ambassador after the Treaty of Karlowitz (1699). Divanhane is the only surviving part of the summer palace complex built by Grand Vizier Amcazade Hüseyin Paşa. It was repaired in 1870, 1947, 1954, 1971 and 1978 to strengthen. However, because of these repairs the building lost some of its characteristics and was partially changed. Today, Divanhane is became a symbol both of Istanbul and the traditional buildings faced with the danger of being destroyed. In this study, the special details of this building that is faced with the danger of rotting because of its age will be researched and documented.