A Comparative Study of Ottoman Inns in Albania during the XVII Century

Abstract

The main aim of the present research paper is to evaluate the characteristics, architectural values and potential of Ottoman architecture of inns in Albania. In general, inns represent one of the most important structures in the Ottoman architecture. Their development dates on the XIII-XVI century on the territory of today´s Turkey, while in Albania in a slightly later period, developed as a building typology during the XVII century. For estimating their historic and architectural impact and development, a comparison between different inns is made based on the urban position in the city, compositional scheme and architectural treatment. The comparative methodology was mainly focused on inns composition, functional organization and architectural treatment. The results concluded that, despite similarities in the compositional scheme and the use of local materials, inns differ from each other from the number of spaces that contain, construction techniques, architectural and formal treatment. The revaluation and re-treatment of the inns offers potential for the development of cultural, historic and architectural tourism, also for the continuation of architectural heritage.