Introduction to Yakutiye Madrasa in Erzurum

Yakutiye Madrasa (Yakutiye Medrese) is a historic school built in 1310 AD by the order of Sultan Oljeitu, a ruler of the Ilkhanid dynasty. This madrasa features beautiful minarets and colorful tilework, and its appearance is not like that of modern simple schools; instead, it showcases the artistic heritage of the Ilkhanids. In the following, you will learn more about the history of Yakutiye Madrasa, its architecture, and some interesting facts about this building.

History and Information About Yakutiye Madrasa

This 700-year-old madrasa is located in  Erzurum, on Mumcu Caddesi Street, next to Lala Pasha Mustafa Mosque. Its architect was Yakut Ghazani, who was a prominent architect during the Ilkhanid rule and highly skilled in constructing religious and educational buildings.

The function of this madrasa has changed over the years. For example, during the Ottoman period, it was used as a foundry workshop, and in the 19th century, it served as a military warehouse. In the 1970s, the surrounding barracks were demolished, and Yakutiye Madrasa regained significance. In 1994, the building was restored and converted into an ethnographic museum; today, many tourists visit it annually.

Architectural Features of Yakutiye Madrasa

Below, you will learn more about the features and architecture of this magnificent structure:

• Patterns and Symbols

Yakutiye Madrasa in Erzurum has a dome and two minarets decorated with geometric patterns and glazed and unglazed bricks. The entrance door, one of the most beautiful parts of the building, features paintings of two leopards, a double-headed eagle, and the Tree of Life. These were symbols of the Central Asian Turks. Additionally, carved inscriptions add astonishing beauty to this madrasa.

The geometric decorations and symbolic paintings on the madrasa's facade are completely symmetrical, maintaining balance and symmetry throughout the building. These decorations reflect the Ilkhanid's special attention to art and craftsmanship.

• Rooms and Overall Layout of the Building

The overall layout of the building is rectangular and single-story, but its entrance is designed as two stories. In the four corners of the structure, there are four rooms, and between these rooms, eight smaller rooms are symmetrically placed, which were once used as living quarters for students and professors.

• Central Courtyard

It is worth mentioning that the most crucial feature of Yakutiye Madrasa is its courtyard, which makes it the largest covered-courtyard madrasa in the Anatolian region. The courtyard is rectangular, with its central part covered by a dome, while other sections are designed with pointed and arched vaults.

·        Mausoleum

This structure contains a brick mausoleum with three windows and a conical roof.

What Important Artifacts Are in the Yakutiye Museum?

There are various museums in the city of Erzurum, one of which is the Erzurum Archaeology Museum. Below, you will learn more about the artifacts housed in the Yakutiye Museum of ErzurumTop of Form

• Silver Bracelet

The museum has a beautiful and eye-catching silver bracelet dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The design includes precious agate stones and chains.

• Writing Set

A writing set from the Ottoman era is on display, featuring engraved floral patterns and twisted branches. This writing set has a wooden frame and a sliding mechanism.

• Vessel in the Shape of an Animal and a Human

In the Yakutiye Madrasa Museum, there is a glossy green ceramic vessel with an interesting design. This vessel is shaped like an animal, with a human figure sitting on it, playing a drum. The human head and the animal's mouth are pierced, and engravings cover the animal's body.

• Golden Basin and Ewer Set

This set, dating back to the 18th century, includes a soap dish, a long-necked ewer, a basin, a dome-shaped lid, and more. The ewer and basin also feature embossed patterns and enamel decorations in blue and green colors. This set is one of the finest examples of "Tombak" work (engraving and inlaying) from the Ottoman era.

How to Get to Yakutiye Madrasa?

To reach Yakutiye Madrasa, take a bus or taxi to the city center of Erzurum and then transfer to buses heading toward Yakutiye Madrasa. Additionally, if you have rented a car during your trip to Erzurum, drive to Cumhuriyet Street and follow the signs installed along the road to find Yakutiye Madrasa easily.