The Ismail Bey Complex The Ismail Bey Complex, located in Kastamonu, was erected between 1443 and 1461 AD by Kemalettin Ismail Bey, the ruler of the Candaroğulları Dynasty. An Arabic inscription within the complex dates its construction to 1457. The complex stands upon the Şehinşah rock, which features two ancient rock tombs from the 7th century BC. Positioned outside the city’s walls, the complex was designed to promote the expansion of settlement areas and to establish a three-dimensional layout for the cultural hub. The site includes a public kitchen with an inverse layout, a square-shaped tomb, an open courtyard, and a single Iwan. It also contains a U-shaped, single-story theological school incorporating a Sibyan School, which was intended for year-round use—enclosed for winter and open-air for summer. Furthermore, the complex features an Inn with one entrance and no internal partitions, as well as a single-domed Turkish bath equipped with a sıcaklık section running across its width. The Ismail Bey Complex represents an outstanding example of the architectural mastery of the Candaroğulları Dynasty and holds an important place in Turkey's cultural legacy. Over the years, the Ismail Bey Complex has experienced multiple restorations. Despite these, the imaret, theological school, and tomb have largely retained their original features. The main building material throughout the complex is yellowish kefeki stone, with rough stones used as fillers between the walls. Certain exterior sections are constructed from smoothly cut stones, while a combination of brick and mortar was employed for key structures and the interiors of the inns. The buildings within the complex are designed with simplicity, where decorative details are limited to key features such as the portals and domes. This minimalistic style creates a lively atmosphere by relying on fundamental architectural elements. The Ismail Bey Complex stands as a vital reference for studying site planning and construction materials. The complex demonstrates the well-structured nature of settled communities in Anatolia and indicates that such architectural forms existed throughout history, not only during the Early Ottoman Period. Significantly, it was constructed during an era dominated by dynastic rule rather than imperial governance. For any questions or further information about The Ismail Bey Complex, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us on Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.