What are the Features of the Double Minaret Madrasa?
The Double Minaret Madrasa is a Seljuk work that has become the symbol of Erzurum. It is generally accepted that it was built at the end of the 13th century. It is also called the Hatuniye Madrasa, with the thought that it may have been built by Hundi Hatun, the daughter of the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, or by Sultan Hatun from the Ilkhanid Dynasties.
Double Minaret Madrasa – Erzurum
The madrasah, measuring approximately 35×46 meters, is the most important example of the group of madrasas with two floors, four iwans and an open courtyard. Its courtyard, measuring 26×10 meters, is surrounded by porticoes on four sides. Student and teacher rooms are lined up on both sides of the courtyard.
Double Minaret Madrasa – Erzurum
The madrasah has nineteen rooms on the ground floor and eighteen rooms on the first floor. The square space to the west of the entrance was used as a masjid. The cupola, which unites with the main iwan in the south and has a mummy underneath, has the distinction of being the largest mausoleum among its contemporaries in Anatolia. The cupola, whose body is twelve corners, is covered with a cone from the outside and a dome from the inside. Its icicle is decorated with ornamental strips and moldings.
The decorations, especially on the crown gate of the Double of Minaret Madrasa, are magnificent examples of the depth and aesthetic understanding of the Seljuk stone decoration. Herbal elements were mainly used in the decorations. While palmette and rumi motifs are mostly used, the harmony of both draws attention.
Double Minaret Madrasa – Erzurum
On the west side of the crown door, the tree of life, consisting of a double-headed eagle, two open-mouthed snakes and sliced leaves, which is the symbol of the Central Asian Turks, is carved.
Minaret Madrasa – Erzurum
On the eastern side, there is no leaf and eagle embroidery. The height of the minarets rising on both sides of the crown door, covered with glazed bricks and bricks and decorated with motifs, is 26 meters.
Double Minaret Madrasa – Erzurum
“Allah” is written in Arabic inside the panel, which attracts attention with its turquoise color on the minarets.
Madrasa – Erzurum
The madrasa, which was repaired by Murad IV, one of the Ottoman sultans, when it was in ruins and was used as a “tophane” for a while, serves as the Erzurum Museum between 1942 and 1967, and today both as a museum and a painting exhibition hall.
Madrasa – Erzurum
Source: Erzurum Travel Guide Book – Tablet Communication Publishing House, TDV Encyclopedia of Islam