Buruciye Madrasah

Buruciye Madrasah

The Buruciye Madrasah is a significant structure from the Anatolian Seljuk era and is located in the heart of Sivas. It was commissioned by Muzaffer Bey in 1271 during the reign of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev III, the son of Hibetullah Burucerdi. The identity of the architect who designed this marvelous building remains unknown. For many years, this madrasah was used to teach positive sciences.

The madrasah is designed in a quadrilateral plan scheme, consisting of four iwans and an open courtyard. The rooms are covered with barrel vaults and surrounded by column porches. Its symmetrical plan scheme makes it one of the most important madrasahs among Seljuk Anatolian structures.

Buruciye Madrasah

The entrance to the madrasah is highly decorative, with intricate lacework patterns carved into its stones. Similar patterns can also be found on the tomb to the left of the entrance iwan, which belongs to Muzaffer Burucerdi, the individual who ordered the construction of the madrasah. The dome is adorned with beautiful tile ornaments.

The Buruciye Madrasah is considered one of the best examples of madrasahs with open courtyards, boasting architectural elements that are highly compatible. Its architectural integrity is exceptional, and it represents a synthesis of the madrasah with iwan, which was a prevalent style during the Seljuk era in Anatolia.

The walls of the building are 115-150 centimeters (45-59 inches) thick, with the main iwan showcasing lacework patterns. The muqarnas of the main portal is adorned with geometric figures, and the outflow crown gate is surrounded by inscriptions. The dome at the back of the main gate is believed to be a mosque and features a mihrab.

Together with nine other madrasahs from the same period in Turkey, the Buruciye Madrasah was added to the Tentative List of UNESCO in 2014 under the title of "Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs."