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Balyan family was a dynasty of famous Ottoman imperial architects,

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The Balyan family (Armenian: Պալեաններ) was a dynasty of famous Ottoman imperial architects. They were of Armenian ethnicity. For five generations in the 250px-Ermeni818th and 19th centuries, they designed and constructed numerous major buildings, including palaces, kiosks, mosques, churches and various public buildings, mostly in Constantinople. The nine well-known members of the family served six sultans in the course of almost a century and were responsible for the westernization of the architecture of the then-capital city.

Until the 17th century, architects serving in the Ottoman Empire were either Muslim or converted to Islam later in life.[citation needed] Most probably as a result of the reform movement,[specify] architects from non-Muslim minorities gained popularity, and among them the Western-educated Balyan family has a distinct place in the history of the empire’s architecture. But in historical resources, it is debated that their architectural identity may sometimes be confused with contractor or project administrator. It is difficult to define who among the family members was an “architect,” “contractor” or “administrator.”

The Balyans used Western architectural techniques and designs; they did not, however, disregard traditional Ottoman elements. The most important and largest construction built by members of the family was Dolmabahçe Palace, which is considered to be one of the world’s finest palaces of the 19th century.[by whom?]

Most of their buildings are still in use and registered as historical monuments.[citation needed]

Family members

Graves of the Balyan family in the Armenian cemetery on Nuh Kuyusu Caddesi, Bağlarbaşı, Üsküdar, Istanbul.
  • Bali (Balen; ?–1725)
    • Magar (?–?)
      • Krikor Balyan (Krikor Amira Balyan; 1764–1831)
      • Senekerim Balyan (1768–1833)
      • Garabet Amira Balyan (1800–1866)
        • Nigoğayos Balyan (1826–1858)
          • Levon Balyan (1855-?)
        • Sarkis Balyan (1835–1899)
        • Hagop Balyan (1838–1875)
        • Simon Balyan (1848–1894)


        Buildings and structures:

Buildings and structures designed and constructed by Balyan family members

Royal residences

Religious buildings

Public buildings

Production facilities

Source: Read More on Wikipedia