EVALUATION OF ROCKWORK ELEMENTS USED IN THE GARDENS OF YILDIZ PALACE

Abstract

Rocks have been used in landscape architecture for both ornamental and plant growing purposes. In the historical process, developments in materials and design have turned rockworks into garden elements with high expressive power and artistic features in different cultures. Rocks were also included in the Ottoman gardens during the Westernization Period. Aim: The gardens of Yıldız Palace are important examples having elements made using artificial rock. Examining the designs, material properties and construction techniques of such garden items are important in terms of their conservation. In this context, Hasbahçe, garden of Şale Pavilion and Yıldız Park were chosen as the study area. Method: The rockwork arrangement in the gardens, the photographs in Yıldız Albums were examined, the relevant archival documents and literature were reviewed. Findings and Conclusion: It has been observed that these decorations built in the form of "rockwork" such as rocks, cliffs, grottos, and cascades are used on the edge of a promenade or stairs, or used on the shore of an artificial pond whether in the form of individual or groups of rocks, or used as part of a water element. Large-scale rockwork is not preferred in these gardens as in the other gardens of Yıldız Palace. It has been concluded that these elements are as qualified as those produced in Europe with their layout, design, other garden elements with which they are associated. However, it has been observed that some of the rockworks could not be preserved due to neglect, material deterioration and new garden arrangements, and a part of the survivors have conservation problems.