Chaharbagh Madrasa, Historical madrasa in Isfahan, Iran
The Chaharbagh Madrasa is a teaching and residential complex built with brick, stone, marble, and intricate tilework. A two-story covered portico surrounds the central courtyard, which is bordered by student quarters and instructional spaces.
The school began as a Safavid-era institution in 1699 under Soltan Hossein, built to foster religious and philosophical learning. The complex expanded through multiple construction phases over the following years, reaching its final form in the early 18th century.
The courtyard is surrounded by student living quarters, linking scholarly pursuits with daily life within the school. This arrangement shows how learning and residence were integrated into the same spiritual and intellectual community.
The building remains largely closed to visitors except during Nowruz celebrations, when limited access is available. Check before planning a visit to confirm if entry is permitted during your stay.
An ornate wood and silver door marks the student entrance from Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street, opening into a tree-lined courtyard. The choice of these rare materials for the gateway reveals how the passage to learning was treated as a ceremonial threshold.
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