Gok Madrasah (Sahibiye Madrasah)

Gok Madrasah (Sahibiye Madrasah)

The Gök Madrasah, also called Sahibiye Medresesi, stands as a remarkable example of Seljuk architectural style in the heart of Sivas, Turkey. It was commissioned by Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali, a vizier serving under Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev III, and was completed in the year 1271. The madrasah carries the name of its founder and is famously referred to as Gök Madrasah because of the sky blue tile mosaics that decorate its facade.

Gok Madrasah (Sahibiye Madrasah)

The structure includes an open-air courtyard, four niches, and two levels, with the upper floor traditionally used in summer and the lower floor occupied during winter. The Gök Madrasah stands out as a superb example of Seljuk architectural mastery, highlighting the blend of decorative motifs and architectural craftsmanship. It features a marble baroque-style main gate, and the upper corner stones are embellished with raised leaf patterns that incorporate animal heads symbolizing zodiac signs.

The presence of these animal figures and other motifs in Seljuk artwork illustrates the continuity of Turkish cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs. The Gök Madrasah is celebrated as one of the most impressive and prestigious examples of Seljuk design, with its importance enhanced by the combination of various ritualistic and symbolic components.

The Gök Madrasah is among ten madrasahs constructed in the same era across Turkey and has been listed in the UNESCO Tentative List since 2014 as part of the "Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs" collection.

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