Istanbul: City of Faith, Power & Beauty

Our lecturer, Antonia Cevizli, will present three lectures:

In 1453 the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople and set about transforming it into his imperial capital. The first lecture considers his approach to the existing monuments of the city especially Hagia Sophia and the earliest Ottoman architecture in Istanbul including Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

The Ottoman Empire was at the peak of its power during the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent. Money was pouring in and being invested in architecture, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts. The second lecture focuses on some of the treasures of this period. Moving beyond Süleyman’s era, Antonia will discuss the Blue Mosque and the ostentatiou Dolmabahçe Palace.

After lunch we will be immersed in a world of carnations, tulips, hyacinths and roses as we discover Turkey’s famous Iznik ceramics. From its origins imitating Chinese porcelain to its 16th century heyday, many have ended up in British collections.

How to book this event:

Email the Study Day Organiser at michaelcjones51@gmail.com

to request an application form

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Dr Antonia Gatward Cevizli

Dr Antonia Gatward Cevizli is an independent art historian specialising in both Italian Renaissance art and Ottoman art. She gained her PhD from the University of Warwick. Her publications focus on cultural and diplomatic exchange between the Italian city-states and the Ottomans. Antonia has lectured for a number of institutions including Sabancı University, Istanbul; Sotheby’s Institute of Art; the National Gallery; the V&A Academy and The Courtauld summer school. Her interests are wide-ranging and she also worked across the collections of both Tate Modern and Tate Britain as a professional guide. She has lived in Siena, Venice and Istanbul.