How did art evolve during the Ottoman era?

During the Ottoman Era, architecture truly evolved, and Sursock Palace is a perfect example of this evolution. Buildings were influenced by the Islamic character of the ruler with the addition of mashrabiyya (screens) and horseshoe arc ornamentation. Later, Western architecture started to slowly infiltrate Lebanese architecture with Italian Florentine design style added to hotels in Sidon, Tripoli and Beirut.

Europe also had a great impact on fine art, with Beirut drawing on European concepts of design to become the centre of culture in the Middle East. Migration was the first reason for this artistic movement, with Lebanese artists studying at schools in Rome, Paris, London, Brussels and Spain. These artists included Gibran Khalil Gibran, Khalil Salib and the sculptor Joseph el-Hoyek, who was influenced by the French sculptor Rodin.

Lebanese art also had an impact on European arts, with Oriental clothing depicted in the works of artists from the European Renaissance and Baroque eras such as Bellini and Rembrandt.