Taskinpasa Madrasa and Complex

Taskinpasa Madrasa and Complex

The Taskinpasa Madrasa and Complex can be found along the Urgup-Soganli road in the village of Damsa, situated 20 km south of Urgup. This complex was established as a madrasa by the Karamanid Dynasty and spans an area of 22.6 meters by 23.8 meters. The exact date of construction is unknown due to the absence of inscriptions on the building, but it is believed to have been built in the mid-14th century, as the tomb dates back to 1342-43 and the sarcophagi to 1350 and 1355.

Enclosed within a courtyard wall, the complex comprises a mosque, summer masjid, cupola, and open tomb. The portal, mihrab in the mosque, and door and windows were made using stone cut into blocks, while rough stones were used to construct the rest of the walls. Although the upper floor has collapsed, a set of stairs on the left-hand side of the entrance suggests that the complex may have had at least two stories.

Taskinpasa Madrasa and Complex

The western portal of the mosque showcases impressive stonework in the classical Seljuk style, but the nameplate that should be above the entrance is now lost. On the right side of the portal is a mescid with a square-head arch, adorned with geometric and floral motifs that are particularly visible in the mihrab. The decorative elements in this area include palm leaves at the upper levels, lines of leafy plants, and scrolling work along the decorative borders.

The courtyard is located in the middle of an open space, with several storage rooms nearby that are not connected to it. The builder of the cupola to the east of the mosque is unknown, although it is speculated that Taşkın Pasha may have been responsible for its construction. This two-story structure, cut from stone, features an octagonal pulley inside and a pyramidal cone on the exterior. Unique to this building are the four corners that have been turned into an octagon, as well as the large chambers on all sides.

The Hızır Bey Tomb is situated northeast of the mosque and is believed to have been built between 1350 and 1355. The exterior of the tomb features hexagonal open tombs created by connecting six pillars with pointed arches. One arch on the south facade stands out with its zencerek motif columnar capitals, stalactite pendentives, and openwork hovel motifs. Inside, the building has three rows of muqarnas stones and a dome. A pyramid on top has been turned into a dodecagon and is covered by a pyramidal cone on the exterior. The interior contains three marble coffins and geometric star crossings on two of its rows.