Karatay Madrasah

Karatay Madrasah

Located in the modern city of Konya, Turkey, the Karatay Madrasa was built during the reign of Izzeddin Keykavus between 1250-1251. While the architect is unknown, it is believed to have been constructed by Celalettin Karatay, as the domed cell on the left of the iwan serves as his tomb and is registered with the Celalettin Karatay Foundation. Though it was used as a barracks for 70 recruits in 1892, it is unclear if this was a temporary arrangement or if it continued to serve as a barracks during Ottoman times.

Karatay Madrasah

Constructed of Sille stone in the "closed madrasa" style during Seljuk rule, the madrasa is a single-story building. The entrance features a door made of sky-blue and white marble that is intricately carved with lettering. Verses and hadiths about the madrasa's construction can be found on both sides of the door. The courtyard, which was once covered by a dome, was entered through this door.

The madrasa hall is covered by a dome, which features panels with invocations written along the borders. These invocations include four verses from the Quran, as well as the names of Prophets Muhammad, Jesus, Moses, and David. Above the doorways, there is smaller lettering that spells out "Ayet-el Kürsi".

Unfortunately, almost all of the mosaic tiles on the walls of the madrasa have been lost. The tiles that remain feature the colors turquoise, dark blue, and black, and are considered an important example of Seljuk Anatolian tile work from the 12th and 13th centuries. In 1955, the Karatay Madrasa was opened to visitors as the "Tile Works Museum".