Şahabiyye-i Kübra Medresesi

Şahabiyye-i Kübra Medresesi is a medieval educational structure dating to the 14th century, located in the Battalgazi district of Malatya, within the historically known area of "Eski Malatya." It is one of the rare surviving examples of Mamluk architecture in Anatolia and holds significant importance in the history of art. The medrese is situated near the Malatya Ulu Camii, one of the city’s historic structures.

According to its foundation inscription, the medrese was constructed in the years 1348–1349 CE, corresponding to 749 AH. It was commissioned by Shahab al-Din Hizir, an emir of the Mamluk State, which held dominance in the region at the time. This structure, part of Shahab al-Din Hizir’s broader building activities in the area, has a history of approximately 700 years.

Shahab al-Din Hizir commissioned two distinct medreses during this period. The first is the Şahabiyye-i Kübra Medresesi, meaning the "Greater Shahabiyye," whose remains are more clearly visible today; the second is the Şahabiyye-i Sugra Medresesi, known as the "Lesser Shahabiyye." These names reflect differences in their physical scale or their position within the educational hierarchy.

^{Şahabiyye-i Kübra Medresesi (}Kültür Portalı⁾

The Şahabiyye-i Kübra Medresesi belongs to the typology of "open courtyard with iwan" medreses. Its architecture reflects a synthesis of Anatolian Seljuk traditions and Mamluk stylistic elements. The primary building materials used were cut stone and rubble stone.

The monumental portal on the western facade is one of the most distinctive architectural elements of the structure. Decorated with geometric motifs and muqarnas fillings, it exemplifies the stone craftsmanship of the period. Within the interior layout, student cells (classrooms) are arranged around the courtyard, with iwan sections serving as the main teaching spaces.

Due to natural disasters and neglect over time, the medrese suffered extensive damage and became buried under soil, assuming the appearance of a ruin. Archaeological excavations and art historical research conducted to reveal its original architectural integrity have uncovered previously unknown aspects of the structure.

Excavations have clearly revealed the foundations, original retaining walls, and the overall architectural plan of the building. Among the key findings were ceramic kilns located within the medrese complex. The identification of ceramic production areas alongside the student cells suggests that the site was not solely dedicated to theoretical education but may have also functioned as a center for practical production and artistic activity.

^{Şahabiyye-i Kübra Medresesi (}Battalgazi Belediyesi⁾

Various projects have been developed over different periods to preserve the surviving remains of the medrese and to reintroduce it to active use. Under the coordination of the General Directorate of Foundations, efforts have aimed at reconstructing the structure.

Comprehensive restoration projects introduced since 2020 aim to integrate the medrese into tourism and position it as a key component of historical tourism in the Battalgazi region. Cleaning and excavation works have revealed the main architectural outlines of the structure, and the ongoing restoration process seeks to revive the building in accordance with its original form.