The Double Minaret Madrasah (Çifte Minareli Medrese)Places to Visit in Erzurum

The Double Minaret Madrasah, also referred to as the Hatuniye Madrasa, is a remarkable Seljuk monument that has come to represent the city of Erzurum. Although the exact builder remains uncertain, it is believed to have been erected in the late 13th century, potentially by Hundi Hatun, the daughter of Aladdin Keykubat from his first marriage, or by Sultana Hatun of the Ilkhanid dynasty.

It is thought that the madrasa was completed before the Seljuk power in Erzurum came to an end in 1277, following the construction of the Gök Madrasa in Sivas, which served as its model. The madrasa is the largest of its kind in Anatolia and was originally intended as a theological school. However, throughout history, it has also been used as a gun foundry in the 17th century and an armory in the 19th century. Today, it has been converted into a museum that showcases its rich and diverse history.

The Double Minaret Madrasah consists of two levels, with dimensions of 35 by 48 meters. It is a 4 iwan structure oriented towards the north and south, with the main entrance situated to the north. Attached to the building on the south side is a 10-sided mausoleum. The madrasa was constructed next to the eastern city wall.

The entrance of the Double Minaret Madrasah showcases a beautiful display of elaborate decoration. Above the entrance is a large, niche-like muqarnas hood, encased within a pointed arch. The rectangular frame around it is decorated with delicate vegetal patterns, formed by intertwining split palmettes. The outermost band of the frame features a motif inspired by a vase at its base.

On the south side of the building lies a mausoleum, accessible through a door located at the back of the south iwan. The mausoleum's exterior is adorned with tall, blind arches, outlined by continuous molding. Alternating faces of the mausoleum feature two windows: one small window high up just beneath the arch, and another lower window embellished with muqarnas vaulting.

The entire tomb is surrounded by geometric, conical designs beneath the cornice, while the roof is segmented and decorated with shallow-relief arches, supported by a muqarna-relief cornice. The identity of the builder remains unknown, and the decoration of the structure is incomplete.

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