Incredibly Detailed Ancient Artifacts That Will Amaze Everyone

Birdhouses that look like miniature palaces

Birds were important figures in Turkish culture, and nowhere is this better illustrated than in the intricate birdhouses that adorn many of the former Ottoman Empire’s greatest buildings, such as mosques and bridges. The custom of building birdhouses dates back to the 15th century, but they became more and more elaborate during the 18th century.

They grew so intricate that some had runways for landing and take-off or balconies and troughs to put food and water. The houses were meant to provide birds of all kinds with comfort and shelter from the elements. They were usually built following the style of the life-sized construction they adorned.