Symbolism of the Ottoman bird decoration in Ahmed Bey Palace in Constantine

Abstract

The subject of the art of symbolic decoration is considered one of the important topics that characterize Islamic art, especially architecture, and among them is animal decoration, which was initially unpopular with many jurists, but after the principles of Islam were established in the souls of Muslims, and beginning with the Umayyad era, we find that it was implemented in their buildings. Especially doves and artists continued to develop this art until the Ottoman era and applied it in their buildings. Among the symbolic animals are birds, which the Ottoman artist in Algeria applied in architecture, including the Ahmed Bey Palace in Constantine. Was it a theme or a nature, and what are its types and symbolic significanc?