The Yakutiye Madrasa (Yakutiye Medresesi)

The Yakutiye Madrasa (Yakutiye Medresesi)

The Yakutiye Madrasa, also known as Yakutiye Medresesi, was built in 1310 under the orders of Khwaja Yaqut, who was the Ilkhanid governor of Erzurum.

This rectangular madrasa features a central courtyard, with the main entrance located on the western side of the building. The entrance comprises a double door that leads to an alcove adorned with intricate ornaments on three sides. The western façade is decorated with an inscription band that runs around the spandrels, followed by a vegetal pattern based on split palmette motifs, a geometric pattern, and finally, a sculptural vegetal design. The top and bottom of each panel are decorated with a tree of life motif, while an eagle is featured in the center and lions are depicted at the base.

The Yakutiye Madrasa (Yakutiye Medresesi)

Two cylindrical towers with conical roofs rise on either end of the western façade. The southern tower is taller and thinner, adorned with a strapwork motif in brick, while the northern tower is shorter and wider without any decoration.

Upon entering the madrasa from the north, a square vestibule leads to a central space consisting of four vaulted bays converging around a central bay with a hexagonal roof and three skylights. These bays are supported by four piers, each of which is adorned with muqarnas.

The west wall of the mosque is a barrel-vaulted bay with an entrance vestibule, while the north, south, and east walls are made up of bays that open onto iwans. The cells are located around the roofed courtyard, which also features a mihrab on one side and an octagonal tower on the east end. The exterior of the tower appears to be decorated with blind arches and topped with a conical roof.