Parallels between Two Identity Searching Nations in the 20th Century through the Museum and Exhibition Buildings

Abstract

During the 19^th and 20^th centuries, museums and exhibition buildings have been immensely important in the nation-building of newly born countries all over the world. By means of art and architectural representation, it was possible to bring people together in the pursuit of enduring their nationhood, to make them proud of their identity and to create a new concept of the country with a powerful historical background. Within this context, Hungary from the Compromise with Austria in 1867 up to the second decade of 20^th century, and Turkey starting from the Second Constitution in 1908 until the mid-century possess proper examples of architectural production firmly connected to the identity search of both countries. This study aims to investigate the manifestations of this approach through case studies mainly from two capitals, Budapest and Ankara. While comparatively examining the chosen buildings regarding their structural features, spatial organisations, contents and function, the general architectural environment and leading actors of the era are aimed to be revealed. Additionally, the quality of the buildings themselves as display objects will be investigated.