Explore Karatay Madrasa in Konya, Turkey

 

Knowing how to ask questions is the first step toward wisdom, according to an inscription on the Karatay Madrasa's entrance. This exemplifies the importance the Seljukians placed on knowledge and science. Millions of people were pushed to migrate to Anatolia from Central Asia and Khorasan because of the Mongols' domino effect. The Turkish desert included several prominent scholars. To create a metropolis of knowledge and education like Samarkand or Bukhara, Seljukians welcomed many of them to their capital city Konya. Various education facilities were funded by emperors, politicians, members of the public, and distinguished members of society in Konya and other significant imperial towns. During the 12th and 13th centuries, cities along major trade routes like the Silk and Spice Roads flourished. The beautiful tiles that decorate the domes of the Karatay Madrasa set it apart from the others. These priceless items were discovered during excavations in the Seljukian Palace on Lake Beysehir, close to Konya. The Karatay Madrasa, which was constructed in 1251 by the Grand Vizier Celaleddin Karatay during the rule of Sultan II Kaykaus, served as a theological college until the end of the 19th century. The building was transformed into a museum in 1955 and was still being maintained in 2006 by the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

 

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Where is Karatay Madrasa?

 

The Karatay Madrasa is in Konya. The vast flat plains surrounding Konya are regarded as the Republic of Turkey's breadbasket. Nearly in the centre of our nation, Konya is barely three hours from Cappadocia. Every day, many direct flights connect Istanbul with Konya. In addition, a fast train takes just two hours to travel from Ankara to Konya. Many self-driving tourists in Turkey should stop at Konya for one night to rest before continuing from Cappadocia to the West Coast or Mediterranean area. The stunning Seljukian monuments of Konya city can be easily visited by reserving a hotel in the city's heart. Alaaddin Hill, which is situated the opposite way from Mevlana's Dervish Lodge, is very close to Karatay Madrasa. You can start your Konya trip from Karatay Madrasa on foot and take a taxi from any central location hotel in Konya. Locations of Alaaddin Hill, Alaaddin Mosque, and Ince Minare Madrasa are all located on & around Alaaddin Hill. You may finish a fantastic Konya city tour and get to the Museum of Mevlana by walking for ten minutes from Alaaddin Hill. Thanks to their parking facilities, one should begin their city trip from either the Mevlana Museum or the Karatay Madrasa. The Mevlana Museum is only 1.2 kilometres from Karatay Madrasa, and the distance between them can be covered on foot in 15 minutes.

 

What to see in Karatay Madrasa?

 

The Karatay Madrasa itself is a superb example of Seljukian construction. By choosing not to sign this masterpiece, which is usual in Seljukian architecture, the architect displayed exceptional modesty. Even though Celaleddin Karatay passed away in Kayseri city, we know he provided funding for the project. His body was brought to Karatay Madrasa and buried beneath one of the mosque's four small domes. Ottoman and Seljuk madrasas were designed with an interior court typically used for astronomy classes. The massive dome that covers Karatay Madrasa's centre court must be a result of Konya's severe winters. A pool is in the centre, and terra cotta pipes may be seen under the glass installed during the 2006 renovations that brought the water there. Fantastic blue tiles cover the dome and the western barrel vault in great numbers. The antiques discovered at the Kubadabad Palace in Konya's Beysehir city and the original tiles from the Karatay Madrasa are now on display inside the museum.

 

Who is Celaleddin Karatay?

Celaleddin Karatay, a renowned politician, led the Anatolian Seljuks. Although many historians claim that he was of Turkish origin, he entered politics after receiving his education at the Anatolian Seljuks' Gulamhane. The majority of students at Gulamhane are enslaved people who are being educated and groomed to work as royal guards or officials. In Arabic, the word "gulam" denotes a young boy. He was most likely enslaved during I Kaykhusraw's Armenian Campaign somewhere between the Anatolian districts of Cilicia and Cappadocia. After his education, he worked as the council's scribe, Sultan's maid, and a personal wealth accountant. While the Seljukian Sultan was away from the palace, he continued to serve as his assignee and as his accountant until Sultan's death in Kayseri. He founded several buildings throughout the Anatolian Seljukian domains, including Karatay Madrasa.

 

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