Abstract:

In this study, three different historical bath boilers found in Kastamonu province are evaluated. These are the boilers of Kastamonu Foundation Bath exhibited in Ismail Bey (Kurşunlu) Caravanserai, Kastamonu Dede Sultan Bath exhibited in Kastamonu Pembe (Balkapanı) Caravanserai and of Tosya Tekke Bath exhibited in the north-east corner of Kastamonu Münire Madrasah. Although they are partly damaged, the boilers keep their original appearances to a large extent. It is known that the city of Kastamonu, displaying powerful political, social and economical structure in almost all periods of Turkish era, has a prosperous culture and significant architectural monuments. Along with historical buildings, it seems that the city is in a fine position in terms of traditional handicrafts. It might be said that coppersmith has a distinguished position among these handicrafts. These enormous bath boilers reflect products of this excellent craftsmanship. In the literature of art history there is not any particular research about the bath boilers. This study which is limited to three boilers, may be seen as an initial work in this context. The oldest of these boilers dates back to the period of Çobanoğulları Principality (1272-74). It is really important that the boiler which is found in a bath built around the years 1272-1274, has survived up to the present time when we consider the scarcity of metalworks that are certainly dating from Seljukid, Principalities and Early Ottoman periods in our country.  It is also thought that this boiler is the one that was originally placed and used when the bath was first built. The other boilers do not have any inscriptions like the first one and it is thought that they are Ottoman works dating from 1637 and 1766-67. A variety of historical documents indicate that Kastamonu was an essential center of the coppersmith and the boiler making in Ottoman period. We think that these boilers were works of craftsmen from Kastamonu who exported various utensils and instruments made from copper to inside and outside of Anatolia. It is known that there has been a vivid manufacturing of coppersmith and boiler making in the city in recent years.

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