Great Karatay Medrese, Konya

The Büyük Karatay Medresesi, on the north side of Alaettin Hill near the Ince Minare Medrese and just down the hill from the Alaettin Mosque, has Konya's finest Seljuk Turkish tilework in it.

Unfortunately, at this writing (2006-2007), it is closed for repairs, with no word on when it might re-open.

As you can see from my photographs, the dome of the medrese is spectacular in its dark and light blue Seljuk tiles.

The squinches supporting the dome are just as elaborate, and significant amounts of the tilework in the eyvans (alcoves) and the main hall have survived.

The water pool at the center of the main hall has a curlicue drain to generate a musical ripple to soothe those at study in the seminary.

This elegant seminary was endowed by Emir Jelaleddin Karatay, one of the Seljuk Turkish empire's greatest generals, statesmen and grand vezirs.

Even though the museum is currently closed to visitors, you should walk by and admire its elaborate marble portal of light and dark marble and carved stone, then be sure to visit the nearby Alaettin Mosque, Ince Minare Medrese, Sirçali Medrese and Sahip-i Ata Mosque Complex.

Ince Minare Medrese

Alaettin Mosque

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Konya Homepage

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Central Anatolia

Above, the grand portal of the Büyük Karatay Medresesi, Konya, Turkey.
Below, the Karatay's tiled dome.
Bottom, the medrese's interior.