Madrasah of Çelebi Mehmet, Ottoman madrasah in Merzifon, Turkey.
The Madrasah of Çelebi Mehmet is an early Ottoman educational building organized around a central courtyard lined with student rooms. The structure displays characteristic rubble masonry and brick construction, with spaces arranged to create a functional academic environment.
The building was constructed between 1414 and 1417 under Sultan Mehmed I and functioned as a center for Islamic scholarship until 1844, when it underwent a change in purpose. This transition marked the end of its period as an active religious teaching institution.
The teaching here centered on Islamic theology, law, and natural sciences within a structured curriculum. This educational approach shaped how people viewed learning and scholarly authority in Ottoman society.
The site in Merzifon is well-organized with multiple exhibition areas that guide visitors naturally through the space. The entrance features a distinctive clock tower built in 1866, which serves as a clear landmark for finding your way.
The entrance iwan displays an unusual decorative pattern of alternating dark red and light yellow stones along the wall. This design subtly merges architectural elements from both Ottoman and Mamluk traditions in a way that catches the eye.
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