Zinciriye (İsa Bey) Medresesi

On a high hill in Mardin stands a dazzling structure with domes rising toward the sky: Zinciriye Medresesi. This medrese was built in 1385 by Artuklu Sultan Melik Necmettin İsa, and is therefore sometimes also called Sultan İsa Medresesi.

Throughout history it has served not only as a school but also as a place of worship and occasionally as a stage for historical events. In fact, Sultan İsa, who fought against Timur’s army, was imprisoned here for a time.

What Kind of Structure?

The medrese has a rectangular plan with a large courtyard at its center.

The small rooms surrounding the courtyard were formerly used by students for lodging and study.

The grand entrance portal on the eastern side is so imposing that it captures the attention of anyone viewing it from a distance.

The segmented domes at the eastern and western ends rise above Mardin’s stone houses, adding a unique beauty to the cityscape.

In the mosque located on the western side of the courtyard, there is an ornate dome, a mihrab decorated with inlay motifs, and a stone minbar.

Also located here is the tomb of Sultan İsa.

A Journey Through Time

Zinciriye Medresesi was built approximately 640 years ago. At that time, medreses served as institutions offering both scientific and religious education, much like modern schools.