Gok Madrasah (Sahibiye Madrasah)

Gok Madrasah (Sahibiye Madrasah)

The Gök Madrasah, or Sahibiye Medresesi, is an impressive example of Seljuk architecture located in the city center of Sivas, Turkey. It was commissioned by Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali, a vizier during the reign of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev III, and completed in 1271. The madrasah is named after its founder and is also known as Gök Madrasah due to the sky blue tile mosaics adorning its exterior.

Gok Madrasah (Sahibiye Madrasah)

The building features an outdoor courtyard, four alcoves, and two floors, with the upper floor being used during the summer months and the lower floor during the winter months. The Gök Madrasah is an exceptional example of Seljuk architecture, showcasing the integration of ornamental designs and architectural details. It boasts a marble baroque crown gate, and the upper corner stones are adorned with an embossed leaf figure, which includes animal heads representing the zodiac signs.

The inclusion of these animals and other symbols in Seljuk art reflects the preservation of the Turkish culture and beliefs. The Gök Madrasah is recognized as one of the most monumental and distinguished examples of Seljuk architecture, and its significance is further accentuated by the integration of various liturgical and symbolic elements.

The Gök Madrasah is one of ten madrasahs built during the same period in Turkey, and it has been included in the Tentative List of UNESCO since 2014 as part of the "Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs" group.