Gök Medrese (Sivas)


Gökmedrese or Gök Medrese, also known as Sahibiye Medresesi, is a 13th-century medrese, an Islamic educational institution, in Sivas, Turkey.
The medrese was commissioned by Sahip Ata Fahrettin Ali, a vizier and the de facto ruler of Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm after the death of Pervane in 1277. Up to 1271, he was usually in good terms with Pervane. He commissioned many buildings in Anatolia. Gökmedrese is one of the most imposing of all. The original name of the medrese is Sahibiye, referring to Sahip Ata. But it is usually known as Gökmedrese, because of the sky-blue tiles used at the building.

History

The medrese was constructed by an architect known as "Kaloyan" from Konya. Originally, it was a two-story building. There were also a hamam and a soup kitchen for 30 people. But presently, only the 13 rooms of the lower floor exist. It was restored in 1823 and was in use up until 1926.

Technical details

There are two high minarets, one at each side of the portal. The width of the building is. The dimensions of the courtyard is. There are two divisions, one leading to the mescit and the other to class rooms.

Vakıf

In middle age Islamic countries Vakıf was a source of revenue, endowed for the exploitation and the maintenance of the foundations as well as for the salaries of the staff. In Gökmedrese case, there were 85 markets, nine villages, two farms and some other sources endowed as vakfiye.

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