European Fascination with Ottoman Culture in the 18th Century
Turquerie refers to a European cultural movement in the 18th century that embraced Ottoman aesthetics, influenced by diplomatic exchanges and shifting perceptions. It emerged after Ottoman ambassador Mehmet Çelebi's 1720 visit to France, sparking interest in Turkish fashion, art, music, and design. Key figures like Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and artists such as Mozart and Jean-Étienne Liotard contributed to its spread, with elements like coffee consumption and 'Turkish-style' interiors becoming fashionable among elites. The trend lasted until the French Revolution, reflecting Europe's reduced fear of the declining Ottoman Empire and its embrace of exoticism.
Key facts
- The term 'Turquerie' originated from French poet Molière in the 17th century, later denoting European interest in Ottoman culture.
- Ottoman ambassador Mehmet Çelebi's 1720 delegation to France inspired the movement, highlighting cultural exchange.
- Coffee, introduced to Europe via Ottoman diplomats in the 1660s, became associated with Turkish culture and social gatherings.
- Fashion trends included 'robe a la Turque' and Turkish-inspired attire popularized in masquerades and portraits.
- Architectural examples like the Schwetzingen Mosque in Germany, built around 1779-93, showcased Ottoman-inspired designs as decorative follies.
Entities
Artists
- Molière
- Mozart
- Jean-Étienne Liotard
- Jean Baptiste Vanmour
- Antoine de Favray
- Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
Institutions
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Chateau de Fontainebleau
- Kew Gardens
Locations
- Paris
- France
- England
- Germany
- Istanbul