The Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa is a structure built during the Anatolian Seljuk State period, designed for education in the field of astronomy. The building is located in the present-day center of Kırşehir, Turkey. Its architectural features, purpose of construction, and historical context reflect the 13th-century Seljuk approach to science and education. Over time, the building has also gained the function of a mosque, and following restoration works, it is preserved as a structure that holds both religious and cultural heritage value.
Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa (AA)
Foundation and Historical Context
The madrasa was commissioned by the Emir of Kırşehir, Nureddin Cibril bin Caca (Cacabey), during the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan II. Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev (reign: 1237–1246) in 1272–1273 (AH 671). The emir’s name was given to the structure, and it has been referred to as the Cacabey Madrasa in historical sources. This period marked a time when Seljuk beys in Anatolia supported scientific endeavors, and educational institutions were established where astronomy, mathematics, and religious sciences were taught together. The construction of this madrasa by Cacabey is directly related to the scientific and political atmosphere of the time.
Architectural Structure
General Plan and Building Material
The madrasa follows the common plan type of the Seljuk period, featuring a courtyard and four iwans. The exterior of the building is made of cut stone, with the entrance façade showcasing distinct examples of stone craftsmanship. The main entrance is marked by a high vaulted door, adorned with kufic inscriptions and geometric motifs.
Vaulted Door and Decorative Elements
The vaulted door serves as the central decorative feature of the building. This protruding door is surrounded by muqarnas niches. The decorations include prominent motifs of Seljuk stone carving art, such as palmettes, arabesques, and interlacing patterns. Above the door, there is an inscription detailing the construction date and the name of the benefactor.
Courtyard and Spatial Arrangement
At the center of the madrasa lies a rectangular open courtyard, surrounded by arcades. Behind these arcades are the student rooms (cells) and classrooms. One of the iwans located on each side of the courtyard is larger and is considered to have been used as the main classroom.
Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa (AA)
Observation Tower
A cylindrical tower is located at the northwest corner of the madrasa. This tower, integrated into the structure, features openings at its upper section for observation purposes. It is the most significant architectural element that indicates the madrasa was designed in connection with astronomy. The interior of the observation tower is arranged to track the angles of sunlight and the positions of celestial bodies.
Astronomical Function and Educational Activities
The Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa is directly linked to the astronomical education that held an important place in the scientific understanding of the Seljuk period. Elements designed for astronomical observation are integrated into the building’s plan. The observation tower, window placements, and light openings are all arranged to serve this purpose. It is believed that, alongside astronomy, classical Islamic sciences were also taught at the madrasa, with mixed educational programs being implemented in this context. Observational methods were employed for timekeeping, calendar calculations, and determining the direction of the qibla (the direction of prayer).
Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa (AA)
Transformation Process and Conversion into a Mosque
During the Ottoman period, the madrasa largely lost its educational function and began to be used for religious purposes. During this process, elements such as a mihrab, minbar, and pulpit were added to the interior, and the structure gained the status of a mosque. This transformation is in line with similar examples observed in many madrasas from the Seljuk period.
Restoration and Current Condition
Over time, the Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa has undergone various forms of damage, and some of its original architectural elements have deteriorated. In 2020, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism initiated a restoration process, which was completed in 2023. The restoration included:
- Cleaning and strengthening of the stone façade.
- Structural reinforcement of the observation tower.
- Renewal of the courtyard pavement with local stone tiles, restored to its original form.
- Preservation of decorative elements using conservation techniques in line with the original examples.
Following the restoration, the structure has been opened for both worship and cultural visits, continuing to be preserved as one of Turkey's important historical scientific buildings.
Cultural and Scientific Significance
The Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa is one of the few structures in Anatolia built specifically for astronomical purposes and for education in this field. The building reflects the scientific thought system of the Seljuk period through its architecture and functional integrity. Elements such as the observation tower contribute to its status as one of the rare examples of madrasas constructed with an astronomical focus. Its architectural details, stone craftsmanship, and functional planning offer significant potential for in-depth study in the fields of the history of science, architectural history, and cultural heritage.
