Sedad Hakkı Eldem: Representative of Modern Turkish Architecture
Sedad Hakkı Eldem: Representative of Modern Turkish Architecture
Sedad Hakkı Eldem was born into one of the leading families of the Ottoman Empire and spent a major part of his education in Europe. This period of study formed the foundation of Eldem’s works, in which he blended modernism with Turkish culture.
Starting his architectural education in the Netherlands and frequently spending time with Le Corbusier during his student years, Eldem unconsciously incorporated the influences of the Bauhaus movement into his art. His research on the "Turkish house" since the beginning of the 1930s allowed for the observation of distinct Le Corbusier and Bauhaus influences on the early projects of this building type. Especially the works of Corbusier that he examined during this period of his life made great contributions to his architectural production.
Having a nationalist perspective, Eldem dedicated his life to taking innovative steps for contemporary Turkish architecture and creating a modern language in Turkish architecture. He began his architectural practice with the "Turkish Pavilion" exhibited at the Budapest Fair in 1931; he signed his name to significant works such as the Yalova Thermal Hotel, Istanbul University Faculties of Science and Letters, Harbiye Hilton Hotel, Taksim Atatürk Library, Rahmi Koç House, and Uşaklıgil Mansion.
The Ayaşlı Mansion, which he built on Büyükada, is considered a reflection of his ideas on the Turkish House. This structure, featuring the traditional 'Karnıyarık' (central hall) house type, is based on a sofa plan with two facades. It possesses a striking architecture with its horizontal roofline, wide eaves, vertical windows, and characteristic four-column design. Additionally, the Rıza Derviş Mansion he built on Büyükada is another important work designed by blending the idea of the Turkish House with modern architecture through its 'L-type' plan.
In small-scale projects such as houses, residences, and cafes, Eldem pioneered the prominence of traditional motifs by prioritizing traditional architectural forms. In more comprehensive projects such as hotels, banks, offices, administrative, and educational buildings, he adopted rationality and functionality, emphasizing material and structural system requirements. He generally preferred to use traditional elements in formal details.
'Ayaşlı Yalısı' - Sedad Hakkı Eldem
'Rıza Derviş Yalısı'
Eldem explains Le Corbusier’s relationship with Turkish architecture as follows: "Le Corbusier drew inspiration from Turkey. There are plenty of spacious terraces around the building; these are on the upper floor, paralleling our lifestyle." In Eldem’s sketches, traces of the Art Deco movement are notable, and the similarities to Le Corbusier and Bauhaus in his projects draw significant attention.
Having won numerous awards throughout his career, Eldem was honored with the Aga Khan Award and the Grand Prize of the Chamber of Architects. During the construction phase of the Ankara Ziraat Bank Headquarters building, he had the opportunity to work with Mongeri and gained significant experience under his guidance.
'Ceylan Apartmanı' - Pera
The works created by Eldem remain significant architectural examples that are still taken as references today in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. Through his architectural practice and contributions to students, Eldem has left a lasting legacy both to Turkish architectural history and the international architectural community.