THE CREATION OF MODERNITY IN THE BALKAN MURAL PAINTING DURING THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
Études balkaniques (Sofia) 2025, N 4, pp. 928-964, DOI: https://doi.org/10.62761/645.EB.LXI4.05
Blagovesta IVANOVA 
University of Structural Engineering & Architecture (VSU) “Lyuben Karavelov”, Bulgaria
Abstract: The paper analyzes the murals in the decorating of the religious and civil architecture in the Balkans during the nineteenth century. It examines the complex process of interaction between Ottoman stylistic features – such as the Tulip style and Edirne work (Edirne işi) – European Baroque artistic process, and their fusion with the local traditions. The most typical decorative elements and features of the compositions of the outer walls and the interior of the buildings are compared. For this purpose, they have been grouped and classified. The main types of the ornaments and their origin are identified. The landscapes and still lifes are also discussed. All examined examples express the multifaceted and rich artistic processes from the time before and after the Tanzimat era, their development under the influence of the European Baroque and also due to the accelerated processes of national self determination in the provinces of the Ottoman Empire.
Keywords: architecture, wall painting, tradition, Westernization, interaction