The legacy of the Balyan family is one of Armenian resilience and artistic excellence within the Ottoman Empire. Throughout several generations, the Balyans became one of the most influential families in Ottoman architecture, leaving a lasting mark on Istanbul’s skyline. Originating from the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri, the talented family of craftsmen would go on to design and oversee the construction of some of the most important buildings in the city, shaping its architectural identity for centuries to come.
Spanning nine generations, the Balyans contributed to the creation of palaces, sacred cemeteries, mosques, churches, schools, hospitals, and public fountains. Their work not only transformed Istanbul but also introduced a new style of architecture that blended European Baroque and imperial Ottoman aesthetics with Eastern ornamental traditions. This fusion became the family’s hallmark, symbolizing the empire’s grandeur.
The most iconic of their creations, the Dolmabahçe Palace, is a masterpiece of Ottoman imperial architecture. Once a major administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and home to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in his final days, the palace is the largest in all of Turkey. Dolmabahçe was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I in the mid-19th century to replace the older Topkapi Palace as the imperial residence. Designed by Garabet Balyan and his son Nigoğayos, the court was built between 1843 through 1856. The palace’s stunning mix of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, combined with traditional Ottoman elements, marked a shift towards modernization, signaling the empire’s desire to emulate European grandeur. For the Balyans, it was not just an architectural achievement but an expression of resilience —proving that they, as Armenians, could create works that defined an empire.
Right: Dolmabahçe Clock Tower
In addition to Dolmabahçe, the Balyans were behind major Istanbul landmarks, including the Beşiktaş Mosque, Ortaköy Mosque, the fire tower in Beyazit, and Çırağan Palace. These structures contributed to the cultural and civic life of the empire, creating spaces for worship, governance, and social gathering. Their designs were known for their innovation, blending functionality with artistry, and their influence extended to numerous public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and fountains that shaped the urban landscape.
Despite their marginalized status as Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, the Balyans’ rise to prominence as architects speaks to their exceptional talent and determination. The Balyan family’s legacy is more than architectural—it’s a powerful narrative of cultural survival and triumph. And today, HAYCAR—an organization of Armenian architects and engineers—visits the Üsküdar Surp Haç Armenian Cemetery yearly to commemorate their legacy at their memorial with a traditional hokehankisd. Their contributions to Istanbul, from the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace to countless mosques and public buildings, are lasting symbols of how creativity can transcend adversity.
To learn more about the rise of the Balyan family of architects in the Ottoman Empire, watch the two-part AGBU WebTalk with Büke Uras. The Balyans, Armenian Architects of the Sultans, and Sarkis Balyan: The First Star Architect of the Ottoman Empire.
