Muscat: The birdhouses built into the walls of historic mosques from the Ottoman period continue to preserve their distinctive charm as symbols of both architectural elegance and animal welfare. The Turkish people have long been known for their notable care toward the animals and birds inhabiting their cities and villages.
According to Oman News Agency, architectural features and structures embodying this culture of protection and kindness-which the Ottomans diligently designed and constructed in various forms and sizes-remain visible today on the walls of palaces, houses, mosques, and schools. They stand as enduring testaments to the highest values of compassion and beauty during the era of Ottoman rule.
Turkish historian Sedat Yilmaz stated in an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA) that Ottoman engineers consistently adorned buildings from their era-including palaces, mosques, tombs, inns, and fountains-with bird nests shaped like miniature palaces. He noted that great attention was given to birds, with a variety of nest designs integrated into the walls of houses, creating beautiful compositions that reflect deep humanity, aesthetic sensibility, and kindness toward animals.
These structures, also known as “kus evleri” (birdhouses) or “sparrow palaces,” began appearing in Ottoman architecture as early as the 16th century, reaching their peak in the 18th century. They were widely integrated into many buildings and palaces using brick, stone, and wood-materials that have allowed them to survive to the present day.
Beyond their aesthetic and architectural value, these birdhouses were meticulously constructed according to important functional criteria. They were placed at the highest possible point on a building or wall to protect the birds from predators and other dangers, and were oriented toward sunlight and away from northern winds.
Over time, the craft of building stone bird nests during the Ottoman period evolved into a refined art form, comparable to other architectural marvels of the time. These structures gradually came to resemble miniature versions of the buildings they were attached to-whether mosques, palaces, or schools-and became iconic elements of Ottoman architectural culture. Architects of the era even competed to design the most beautiful among them.
Today, these historical birdhouses can be found throughout Turkey, particularly in Istanbul. They did not merely decorate and enliven the fa§ades of majestic Ottoman buildings-they also served as an alternative to the sculptures and figural reliefs popular in Western empires, reflecting a distinct aesthetic and ethical sensibility unique to Ottoman civilization.