Western Influence in Ottoman Lands
Egypt
‘The Westernised elements of buildings and palaces offered a magnificence and opulence cherished by the Ottoman sultans and kings... ’
The economic, political and cultural degeneration that took place throughout the Ottoman lands during this period may have been the underlying cause of the Westernisation trend that was aimed at reform, and which was based on the adaptation of some features and elements of Islamic art alongside the prevailing European influences in all fields of art. The Westernised elements of buildings and palaces offered a magnificence and opulence cherished by the Ottoman sultans and kings, and this style prevailed over the Islamic elements such as muqarnas, geometric, vegetal and epigraphic motifs.
Prayer Rug

19th century
Ottoman (Muhammad 'Ali period)
Cairo, Egypt
A silk rug, stitched with gold wire and displaying Western influences in the decorations and their distribution.