Barracks Of The Cannon Carriage Drivers

Tophane-i Âmire was founded by Mehmed II (the Conqueror) (1453-1481) between 1452 and 1470. The core of this unit, which evolved over time into a large complex of structures, was the cannon foundries. The Barracks of the Cannon Carriage Drivers was built as part of Selim III’s (1789-1808) reform program of the Ottoman military. Newly erected at the time Melling created his panorama, this colossal barracks is comprised of three parallel wings with various numbers of storeys that increase in gradual form. The first two floors of the three-storey wing on the seashore feature oriels that project onto the sea along the façade and are set on a portico. From the centre of this wing rises the barracks mosque’s minaret as well as its dome that rests on a hexagonal tholobate. On the left (south), the upper floor with a boathouse underneath must be the imperial kiosk that the Sultan used during his visits. Behind it, one can see the eaved entrance of the main door opening onto the courtyard. Damaged in the 1823 Firuzağa Fire, the barracks were rebuilt by Mahmud II (1809-1839) a year later and in 1826, Nusretiye Mosque was constructed in place of the former mosque that was an integral part of the barracks.