Conference

Reinvented as Theme Park: Istanbul in the Imagination of Nineteenth-Century Europe

28 November 2025 / 10.00

As a result of the globalization process in the nineteenth century, handicrafts from the Ottoman Empire, together with others from Western and Eastern Asia, appeared in Europe, achieving high interest. These artefacts could be seen in publications, newly established collections, museums, as well as thematic streets or pavilions at world fairs, and resulted in several phenomena, such as Japonism, Chinoiserie, and Orientalism. These categories, however, became an imaginary impression of the related lands.

The influence of these fashion trends also appeared in the Historicist architecture of the late nineteenth century. A large-scale architectural manifestation of “Oriental” influence in Europe can be linked to world exhibitions and theme parks, sometimes associated with entertainment, as one of the new functional needs of the period.

Organizing in collaboration with Pera Museum, Istanbul Research Institute, the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre, and the Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, this one-day conference will provide an imaginary journey to cities such as London, Budapest, and Copenhagen. The presentations will analyze how Istanbul was reflected in some building complexes, as well as theme and amusement parks in these cities during the late nineteenth century. The conference will explore the historical context of the era, discuss the historical imaginations that shaped building complexes, and analyze case studies and the origins of the architectural sources that appeared in European cities that were associated with specific locations like Istanbul during the mentioned period.

The conference, which will take place at Pera Museum Auditorium, is free of charge and will be held in English. No reservations are required.

Click for the conference booklet.

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