Orientalism In Hungarian Secular Architecture From The Mid-19th to the Mid-20th Centuries

Proceedings: Abstracts of the 8th World Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education

Yosser Ben Arfa

Abstract

This research explores the manifestation of Orientalist influences in Hungarian secular architecture, particularly from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries, as a cultural and artistic phenomenon, which influenced architectural design and decorative elements on buildings in Hungary. By examining architectural projects and the general context, this study aims to uncover the ways in which Hungarian architects engaged with Orientalist motifs, styles, and ideologies. It investigates the presence of Orientalist motifs, materials, spatial arrangements, and symbolism in selected architectural examples. It also explores the chosen Islamic sources and their origins, initial position, western positioning (emphasizing tectonics, simple cover-up in the horror vacui principle, around openings); change of scale, proportions, materials and colors.

Keywords: Orientalism, National identity, secular architecture, Hungary, adaptation.