Atik Valide Ottoman Primary School

Audio Narration:

Construction Year:

1583

Location:

Üsküdar, İstanbul

Ordered By:

Nurbanu Valide Sultan

Architect:

Mimar Sinan

Changes After Construction:
  • The structure was converted into a library by Feridun Agha in the 18th century.
  • The structure ended its educational function in 1928 and was allocated to the gendarmerie unit guarding Toptaşı Prison.
  • During this process, the structure underwent numerous alterations; the old staircase was closed off and a new staircase was built.
  • Because of the alterations, the windows facing the street were closed.
Prominent Features:
  • It is also known as Atik Valide Sultan Primary School.
  • It is the Ottoman primary school unit located to the south of the Atik Vâlide Sultan Complex.
  • The classroom has a square plan and is covered with a blind dome.
  • An eaves course surrounds the structure; the dome sits on the main walls by means of corner squinches.
  • In the alternating masonry, two courses of brick and one course of cut stone were used; it was designed to receive light through pointed-arched and flat-arched windows.
  • There is a small courtyard at the entrance of the structure; a Byzantine column capital is seen in the courtyard.