Fondaco dei Turchi

History and function

Scholars are unsure of the patron and architect of this building, but it is known that the fondaco originated as a private palace. In 1381, the Republic of Venice acquired the palace and granted it to the Marquis of Ferrara, Nicolò II d'Este (r. 1361–1388). For over two centuries, the palace was known as the Palace of the Dukes of Ferrara, where it served as a residence for ambassadors from the city of Ferrara, Italy, and an occasional stopping place for rulers of the d'Este family.

In 1597, the Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso II d'Este (r. 1559–1597), died without an heir. In turn, Alfonso II's cousin Cesare d'Este (r. 1557–1628) inherited the Duke's estate but faced opposition by Alfonso's sisters, Anna d'Este and Lucrezia d'Este, who contested Cesare's inheritance. To complicate matters, Pope Clement VIII (r. 1592–1605) seized the city of Ferrara and sent his nephew, Pietro Aldobrandini, who had become a cardinal in 1593, to occupy the palace, which he did in 1598. Ultimately, Anna d'Este won her suit, and transferred her share of Alfonso II's property to Cardinal Aldobrandini, while Lucrezia d'Este died before her suit had been settled. Although the situation was complex with claims and counter claims, in the end Cesare sold the Fondaco dei Turchi in March 1602 to the Venetian senator (and later, Doge of Venice) Antonio Priuli. This sale marked the transition from private ownership to local Venetian control, in essence to the Republic of Venice. Some sources say the sale took place in 1621.

Under Priuli's control, the building was leased to an operator who transformed it into a hospice and trading hub, known as a fondaco. The space catered to merchants from the Ottoman Empire, collectively referred to by the Venetians as "Turks." Part of the decision to supply housing to Ottoman merchants was because for most of the sixteenth century, the merchants occupied multiple residences and many were "houses of ill repute." The Ottoman imported much needed supplies, like wheat, but also goods like cotton, raw silk, leather, spices, and calcined ashes, a core ingredient for the glass makers of Murano.

After the building's use as a fondaco for Ottoman traders, the building became dilapidated and was completely restored between 1860 and 1880. …

Style of the façade

Venice, was a major center for cultural exchange, with its trade routes spanning sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Venice connected the major powers at the time; the Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire and the Mamluk Sultanate. Long term relations with the East through trade and shared cultural interests, are reflected in its Islamic influenced architecture.

Venice was founded after Rome's fall and lacked ancient Roman ruins, found in other modern day Italian cities. Hence, Venetian architecture, with no stylistic history, Venice took inspiration from various cultures. Venetian architecture was also distinct due to its marsh terrain. Unlike most other cities in Europe, Venice has not changed much due to its lack of roadways. In Jacopo de' Barbari, Bird's-Eye View Map of Venice, from 1500, most buildings are still recognizable today, including the Fondaco dei Turchi. In the print, the building is found in its original state, albeit in miniature and out of proportion.

In early the Renaissance, Venetian architecture drew upon a variety of architectural elements from different cultures, including classical and Roman, Gothic, and Islamic. Gothic architecture such as quatrefoils, pointed arches, trefoils, and bar tracery were combined with Islamic inspired elements, such as ogee arches. These influences created a unique style found on many iconic structures, such as the façades of Ca' d'Oro and Fondaco dei Turchi.

Classical and Roman architectural elements, on the façade of the Fondaco dei Turchi, include medallions, such as found on the entrance, and columns. These emphasized harmony, visual clarity and uniformity. Renaissance elements include an arcades and a balustrade railing on the second floor.

The horseshoe arches on the façade of Fondaco dei Turchi, along with crested rooflines (merlons) are distinctively Islamic. Furthermore, the Fondaco consists of axial plan, which has roots in from the Islamic world. Another element found is Islamic architecture and an essential focus of the plan of the Fondaco dei Turchi is its central courtyard. Hallways for pedestrians on the upper floors followed a circuit, with the courtyard in the center. as a focal point.