Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs The first madrasahs in the world were founded in Islamic nations. Mosques were only used as schools outside of prayer hours before madrasahs existed, and the instruction consisted solely of teaching students to memorize the Koran and dispense religious knowledge. It was becoming unfashionable for mosques, which were utilized as places of worship, to be conducted at the same time as schools in later periods, so Imams began giving lessons in their homes. The Madrasah structures were made up of rooms that surrounded a courtyard within the building: an iwan in the middle of each side and student cells between them. The plans for madrasahs built in Anatolia include a courtyard, iwan, winter dershane, and student chambers, which are all present in all of the surviving madrasahs from this period. In addition to these architectural elements, mosques, tombs, fountains, and minarets may be found in some madrasas. Madrasahs were established by rich and high state officials were not under the supervision of the government, so the state did not pay for students' meals or other costs such as employee salaries and maintenance and repair work. As a result, those who built madrasahs would give a portion of their resources that generated income on a regular basis to ensure that the madrasah's expenses could be covered after their death. As a consequence, each madrasah was a waqf (charity) institution. The Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs, which was constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, are an excellent example of Islamic architecture. Religious education was offered at madrasahs in most cases, although these structures were also used as hospitals and observatories in some instances. Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs are notable examples of Turkish-Islamic architecture due to their magnificent design and exquisite stone work. The Anatolian Seljuk Madrasahs are known for their impressive architecture, including İnce Minareli Madrasah and Karatay Madrasah in Konya; Çifte Madrasah (Gevher Nesibe) and Sahibiye Madrasah in Kayseri; Buruciye Madrasah, Çifte Minareli Madrasah and Gök Madrasah in Sivas; Çifte Minareli Madrasah and Yakutiye Madrasah in Erzurum; Cacabey Madrasah in Kirşehir. Below you can see the most important of Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs and get more information: