Rüstempaşa Madrasa

Audio Narration:

Construction Year:

1550-1551

Location:

Fatih, İstanbul

Ordered By:

Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha

Architect:

Mimar Sinan

Changes After Construction:
  • It was reopened for use after restoration in 2012.
  • The structure is being used for cultural and artistic activities, as well as for exhibition/museum functions.
Prominent Features:
  • It is the only example in Istanbul with an octagonal courtyard plan scheme.
  • It is situated on a terrace formed by the retaining wall on a slope descending toward the Golden Horn.
  • In order to provide the transition from the octagon to the square, the cells were arranged in different sizes.
  • The classroom was emphasized with a projection; at the center of the courtyard there is a fountain in the form of a kümbet.
  • A library was established within the madrasa; it has an endowment deed dated 1561.