A STUDY ON THE ACTIVITIES OF MECENAT IN THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Mecenat which means safeguarding and support of artists and scientists without waiting for a return, was carried out by rulers and noble families starting from the period of the Roman Empire. In the Early Renaissance or Middle Ages, art has been an integral part of culture in the entirety of social values. At that time, it is possible to say a lot of things about societies by looking at art and cultural values. The importance of art in a society and its place in society, helps to explain the concept of order in society with cultural norms and traditions . From the most simple jewelry, to the most magnificent works of art, both in the palace, and outside, Ottoman Empire has been trying to equip the world with the aesthetic qualities. Ottoman sultans became protectors of culture and art, a lot of artists were brought up during that period and works of art emerged. The palace was not only the residence of sultan and his family, during the Ottoman Empire, but also it has been a university and an art academy. In this study, it was tried to reveal by the method of literature review, during the period Ottoman Empire, which dominated civilization for 700 years , the mecenat activities of the rulers for artists and scientists who were pioneers in this regard.