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Elhamra Cinema was built in 1926 in Izmir, Turkey. It was designed by Architect Tahsin Sermet Bey. It was built for public use as a theatre, currently it is being using as Izmir State Opera and Ballet.
Contents
Context
The building is located in Konak, Milli Kütüphane Caddesi. There is the National Library on the right side of the building that was built after the theatre was completed. Even though the construction dates are different the architectural style of these two building are almost the same, they look like one whole building. The other building around it are not historical buildings, they look more modern. That’s why it is easy to find. Because of its central position it can be approached from many different streets.
Formal qualities
It is a symmetrical composition. The part with the dome is higher than the other parts in terms of its importance, because that’s where the performances take place.
The style of the building is neo-classical. As we can perceive from the columns, the dome, and the symmetrical composition. Also it has Turkish motif like ceramic glaze. These combine the western and eastern architecture.
Structure and material qualities
There is an arch-like wall between the ground floor and the dome which relieves the weight of the dome, also holds the dome together in an architectural and aesthetic way. Most of the building is concrete and painted to greenish yellow. The dome is green. The windows and the doors are made out of wood. The frames of the windows and doors, and the columns are made out of marble. Also the ceramic glazes are blue and because of that they have a harmony with the walls.