An episode from the history of Ottoman technology: Methods of ship launching

Year 2008, Atilla Bir Armağanı Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1-2, 89 - 99, 01.06.2008

Tuncay Zorlu

Abstract

This article addresses Ottoman ship launching methods as a part of the
Ottoman naval technology and aims to give it a flavour of cultural and historical
content. Ottoman ship launching seems to have consisted of two basic methods:
stern-first launch and float-out. Ottomans were aware that the first method
provided the ship with greater resistance, buoyancy and gradual detachment during the launching. The float-out method which is not presently considered as
launching in the technical sense was adopted in late nineteenth century. It was
used in order to float out the ships constructed in ship building sheds or drydocks after receiving sea water inside. 

Launching of ships reflect the socio-cultural aspects of the Ottoman
Empire in a series of ceremonial activities. Selection of nobility and high
ranking officials to participate in the ceremonies and the sending of written
invitations to the leading personalities; the naming of the ship, determination of
an auspicious time for the launch and the decoration of the ships, preparation of
marquees for the distinguished administrators, and the construction of a special
platform for the Sultan on a galleon, recitation of prayers, sacrificing of animals,
granting of presents to the participants and workers, all pose examples of the
various perspectives of the Ottoman Empire. 

Keywords

Ottoman Empire, ship launching, dry-dock, float-out, galleon

Osmanlı Teknoloji Tarihinden Bir Kesit: Gemi İndirme Yöntemleri

Abstract

This article addresses Ottoman ship launching methods as a part of the Ottoman naval technology and aims to give it a flavour of cultural and historical content. Ottoman ship launching seems to have consisted of two basic methods: stern-first launch and float-out. Ottomans were aware that the first method provided the ship with greater resistance, buoyancy and gradual detachment during the launching. The float-out method which is not presently considered as launching in the technical sense was adopted in late nineteenth century. It was used in order to float out the ships constructed in ship building sheds or drydocks after receiving sea water inside. 

Launching of ships reflect the socio-cultural aspects of the Ottoman Empire in a series of ceremonial activities. Selection of nobility and high ranking officials to participate in the ceremonies and the sending of written invitations to the leading personalities; the naming of the ship, determination of an auspicious time for the launch and the decoration of the ships, preparation of marquees for the distinguished administrators, and the construction of a special platform for the Sultan on a galleon, recitation of prayers, sacrificing of animals, granting of presents to the participants and workers, all pose examples of the various perspectives of the Ottoman Empire. 

Keywords

Osmanlı İmparatorluğu, gemi indirme, kuruhavuz, yüzdürme, kalyon

References

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