Haseki Hürrem Sultan Madrasa

Audio Narration:

Construction Year:

1539-1540

Location:

Fatih, İstanbul

Ordered By:

Hürrem Sultan

Architect:

Mimar Sinan

Changes After Construction:
  • The two tile panels dated 946 (1539–1540) above the madrasa gate and the classroom gate were removed from their original places for protection when the structure was in a very ruined condition.
  • In the report dated 2 September 1914, the madrasa was recorded as being in need of repair and was removed from the official roster.
  • Restoration was carried out in the complex in 1963–1974; the madrasa unit was used within the scope of institutional use.
Prominent Features:
  • The madrasa is the educational structure of the Haseki Hürrem Sultan Complex, located opposite the mosque.
  • It is of the classical type and consists of enclosed spaces surrounding three sides of a porticoed courtyard.
  • The classroom is located on the axis of the courtyard, and its dome projects outward from the main mass.
  • The cell arrangement consists of 16 rooms; all of the rooms are domed, and each room has a fireplace.
  • The arches of the porticoes are built in alternating red-and-white stone masonry; examples in the form of lotus flowers appear on the column capitals.
  • The tile panels above the gate were made in the coloured glaze technique and are distinctive documents that directly give the date of the madrasa.