Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Madrasah The Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Madrasah, located in Kayseri, Turkey, stands as a significant historical structure. It was commissioned in 1206 by Giyaseddin Keykhusrev I and named in honor of Gevher Nesibe Sultan, the daughter of the Seljuk ruler Kilicarslan II, who reigned starting in 1105. While suffering from a serious illness, Gevher Nesibe Sultan shared her final wish with Sultan Keykhusrev I during his visit — she wanted her wealth to be used to establish a hospital that would provide free medical care to everyone, especially the poor. Honoring her request, Giyaseddin Keykhusrev began the hospital’s construction in 1204, completing and opening it to the public by 1206. A few years later, between 1210 and 1214, Izzettin Keykaus added a medical madrasah adjacent to the darüşşifa, further expanding the facility’s educational and healing mission. The darussifa structure is situated next to the madrasah and features a central square courtyard measuring approximately 42.3 by 41.40 meters. The building includes four small iwans, 23 individual rooms, and five large halls. This historic hospital also housed a dedicated section for the care of mental health patients, where treatments involved a combination of hydrotherapy, musical therapy, and suggestion techniques. Currently, the Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Madrasah serves as a museum focused on the history of medicine and is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine in Kayseri. It remains a powerful symbol of the compassionate vision of Gevher Nesib Sultan and the Seljuk rulers’ dedication to advancing both healthcare and education. During the era of Gevher Nesibe, the hospital applied principles of Islamic-Arabic medicine, which was widely practiced in contemporary medical centers. The facility was distinguished by having a specific area dedicated to the care of psychopathic patients. On the hospital’s eastern side, there were two chambers; the inner room served as a drug preparation area. Historical research indicates that the Seljuks understood the concept of photosensitivity and recognized the therapeutic value of light. At the hospital’s far end stood a hammam (Turkish bath), alongside remnants of copper piping, which implies the use of an early form of central heating. The medical staff included a chief physician, two internists, at least two surgeons, junior doctors, and a pharmacist. The Darüssifa, founded in 13th century Anatolia, holds the distinction of being the first public medical school. Established 350 years prior to similar institutions in Europe, it was among the earliest to integrate music therapy into its curriculum. Today, it is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Madrasah, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on WhatsApp. We will respond promptly.