TRADITIONAL HOUSES OF FILIBE (PLOVDIV)

Abstract

Filibe is a versatile city that has preserved the remains of numerous ancient civilizations in its territories However, one of its most significant contributions to architectural history lies in its traditional houses. Bulgarian historians refer to the period between 1750 and 1878, known as the rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, as the "Bulgarian Renaissance" or "National Revival." This study focuses on these houses, which have emerged during that time. Derived from a more extensive doctoral thesis, this study aims to contribute to cultural heritage by examining the rich spatial composition and formal and interior features of Filibe's traditional houses, both existing and demolished. The results of the study reveal that the masters of the Bulgarian Revival houses developed the inherited plan schemes from the 17th century, influenced by changes in economic and social conditions. A noteworthy observation is the similarity between the early Balkan house plan scheme and the first-period houses of Turkish architecture. The subsequent spatial evolution follows the development of the Turkish house plan scheme. With the intense construction activity starting in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century, many masters and apprentices from the provinces, especially from cities like Istanbul, Thessaloniki, and Edirne, migrated. Those working in these cities introduced the new styles and forms they learned to their hometowns. In this way, Filibe's master builders brought the Ottoman Baroque, especially learned from Istanbul and Edirne, to their city. Considering Istanbul's status as the cultural and artistic center of the time, its influence on the provinces is undeniable. The picturesque houses that now grace the hills of Filibe result from this influence. Paradoxically, the houses of the Bulgarian National Revival took their roots from Turkish houses in terms of plan schemes, interior decorations, and construction techniques.

Keywords

• Filibe
• Traditional House
• Turkish House
• Plovdiv
• Bulgarian Renaissance

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