Kasımiye Medresesi

A Journey Through History in Mardin

Kasımiye Medresesi is one of the largest and most magnificent historical structures in Mardin. Construction began during the Artukid period and was completed under the rule of Akkoyunlu ruler Cihangiroğlu Kasım Padişah (1457–1502). Thus, this structure has stood for approximately 500 years! The medrese was designed as a külliye—a complex of interconnected buildings—serving not only as a school for education but also as a mosque and tomb.

Architectural Features

Kasımiye Medresesi is a two-story building with an open courtyard at its center. In the middle of the courtyard stands a large pool and fountain. This pool may have been used in the past both to meet water needs and to teach students about the cycle of life through water. The stonework of the medrese is particularly striking; it is constructed from precisely cut stone and enriched with decorative elements. The southern facade overlooks the Mardin Plain, offering a magnificent view.

Interior Spaces

Entering through a grand arched portal on the south side leads to a corridor with a cradle vault ceiling. From here, one can access both the classrooms and the independent mosque. On the eastern side is a two-story mosque. In the northern part of the courtyard is a large eyvan—a vaulted space open on one side and enclosed on the other three. In front of this eyvan is also a pool.

The Külliye Structure

The medrese does not consist solely of classrooms. It is accompanied by a zaviye—a space used like an inn for guests—and a tomb. This demonstrates that the medrese functioned as both a religious and a social center.