Baroque architecture in the Ottoman Empire

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   The tendencies towards westernization tendecies in Ottoman architecture began with efforts in the late 18th century. In connection with the European countries Ottoman modernisation has its roots in the TULIP AGE during the reign of Ahmed III. Various visitors and envoys were sent to European cities, especially to Paris, to experince the contemporary European customs and life. The decorative elements of the European Baroque and Rococo influenced the religious Ottoman architecture. On the other hand, Mellin, a French architect, was invited by a sister of Sultan Selim III to istanbul and depicted the Bosphorus shores and the pleasure mansions (or the Turkish name is KONAK) placed next to the sea. Beginning with the "Tulip Period" the upper class and the elites in the Ottoman empire started to use the open and public areas frequently. The traditional, introverted manner of the society began to change. Fountains and waterside residences such as Aynal&yacute;kavak Kasr&yacute; become popular. A water canal (other name is Cetvel-i Sim), a picnic area (Ka&eth;&yacute;thane) were established as recreational area. Although the tulip age ended with an uprising it became a model for attitudes of westernization. 
The most important examples of the Ottoman Baroque are the Nuruosmaniye Mosque (1748-1755) Laleli Complex (1759-1763) and K���k Efendi Complex (1825) in &Yacute;stanbul. The Nuruosmaniye Mosque around the Covered Bazaar was built according to a simple scheme and it had a single dome. However the influence of the Baroque shows itself in the semi-ovel courtyard instead of the rectangular examples of the classic Ottoman mosques. Laleli complex built by Mehmed Tahir Aga presents a combinations of baroque with traditional decorative elements. 
On the other hand, K���kefendi Complex in Yedikule reflects the oval form of Baroque in its courtyard in a more open manner. Concave and convex featers, solid-void differences and the decorative aspects indicate that K���k Yal&yacute; Efendi complex clearly belonged to the Baroque age. 

Source: History of the western architecture textbook 