Cacabey Astronomy Madrasah The Cacabey Astronomy Madrasah is a historic educational building located in Kırşehir, Turkey. Commissioned in 1272 by Nureddin Jibril bin Cacabey, then-governor of Kırşehir, the structure served as a center for learning in astronomy, mathematics, and science. Among its remarkable architectural features are decorative columns symbolizing the planets, a prominent observation well topped with a glowing torch that provided nighttime lighting for study, and a distinct astronomical tower used for skywatching and educational purposes. The rocket-like colonnettes found in three separate sections of the madrasah suggest that the structure once served as a major hub for astronomical studies. One of the most striking architectural highlights is the presence of corner columns placed at the building's outer edges. In modern times, this madrasah functions as a mosque and remains an essential part of Kırşehir's cultural identity. A key architectural element of the structure is its Colorful Crown Portal, renowned as one of the finest representations of Seljuk Anatolian ornamentation. The portal looks as if it was delicately embroidered by a skilled artisan, displaying intricate and mysterious patterns. Positioned on the building’s southwest side, the astronomical tower rises to a height of 21 meters. The top of the tower is adorned with zigzag motifs, while the base is kept simple. These sections are divided by a band of turquoise tiles, which shimmer as one passes by. At the heart of the courtyard lies an astronomical observation shaft once used for stargazing and scientific research. Positioned directly above it is a light chamber that helped illuminate the space. There are also eight student chambers located at the corners of the main area, originally designed for educational purposes. The pillars placed among the spherical and conical structures are symbolic representations of the planets in our solar system. The Cacabey Astronomy Madrasah stands as a timeless monument passed down from our forebears, radiating an aura of grandeur and enigma. In 2014, this remarkable structure was officially included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Cacabey Astronomy Madrasah, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via Whatsapp, and we’ll get back to you promptly.