Ottoman Bird Palaces

Thousands of years ago, before the age of the Ottoman Empire, people were constructing bird houses. Ornate, miniature mansions were built for Istanbul’s feathered residents and for centuries, the city’s birds have been calling these multi-level complexes home. The main reason for building such ornate bird houses was that people thought by showing a small beautiful creature such a kindness, it would please the Gods and bring them great fortune. There are still dozens of these structures left throughout Turkey, with the oldest being located in Istanbul on the side of the Büyükçekmece Bridge.