A Portrait of the Ottoman Cities

Acun draws an outline of the main characteristics of the Ottoman cities in the Balkans, Anatolia and North Africa, with special emphasis on their evolution under Ottoman rule and the interconnection between them. The most distinguishing feature of the Ottoman cities was the planned construction of kalliyes by the sultans and statesman through the waqf system. They consisted of a harmonious unity of buildings such as mosque, hospital, library, imaret, public bath, medrese and other similar buildings.