From the inscription flowing from three directions just above the crown gate, it is understood that the madrasah was built by the Ilkhanid Vizier Şef Şemseddin Mehmet Cüveyni in 1271/1272. The only original aspect of the building that has survived to the present day is its magnificent front façade with the highest crown gate in Anatolia. The two minarets rising above the crown gate have become the symbol of Sivas. It is one of the most monumental madrasahs built in Anatolia and is also known as Dârü’l-hadis. It is a two-storey building with four iwans. The brick minarets above the crown gate are decorated with tiles. The stone gate decorated with floral and geometric motifs and the muqarnas niches next to it give the building a lively appearance. There are fluted half towers at the corners. It is still in good condition and open to visitors.
Double Minaret Madrasa, one of the most monumental structures of the Seljuk period, is also one of the structures that suffered the most damage and destruction. Only the eastern façade, i.e. the front, has survived to the present day. According to the results of the research excavation carried out in the 1960s, the madrasah is a two-storey monumental building with an open courtyard, four iwans. After the corner towers, traces of a soup kitchen or zawiya belonging to earlier periods were unearthed in the southern direction adjacent to the madrasah, and in the northern direction, traces of a bath within the madrasa were unearthed.
According to the inscription on the crown gate, it was built by Vizier Sahib Şemseddin Muhammed Cüveyni in 1271. XIII. The century is seen as an important period of construction activities and cultural life during the Anatolian Seljuk period. In this century, the Seljuks created the most important structures of stone, brick and tile art in Anatolia, such as Buruciye Madrasah, Gök Madrasah and Double Minaret Madrasah.
Double Minaret Madrasah is a madrasah located in the center of Sivas province of Turkey. According to the inscription on the crown gate, it was built by the Ilkhanid Vizier Şemseddin Cüveyni in 1271. The madrasa attracts attention with its decorated crown gate and two minarets with brick and tile mesh.
In this century, the Seljuks created the most important structures of stone, brick and tile art in Anatolia, such as Buruciye Madrasah, Gök Madrasah and Double Minaret Madrasah.
The completed tree of life and eagle motifs on the front exterior are thought to express power and immortality within the scope of Central Asian Turkish belief, rather than being a coat of arms.
Double Minaret Madrasa is located in the historical city square in the city center. According to its inscription, it was built by Vizier Sahib Şemseddin Muhammed Cüveynî in 1271.
It has a wonderfully atmospheric look. You can drink tea and look at souvenirs at the place right across the street. First of all, do not decide immediately, ask the prices when buying a gift. Because it can vary.
This structure, which sheds light on the history of Sivas and was built by the Ilkhanid Vizier Şemseddin Cüveyni in 1271, has survived today only with its impressive façade. The two minarets and the crown gate of the madrasah display the most striking features of the art of that period. Glazed bricks and tiles on the minarets add life-giving colors to the structure. However, as a result of the destruction and destruction it has encountered throughout history, very little of its original form has survived to the present day.
Compared to the work done on the preservation and restoration of other historical buildings such as Gök Madrasa, it is clear that Çifte Minareli Madrasa requires more attention and resources.
In order to better protect this unique structure and pass it on to future generations, continuous and comprehensive restoration work is of great importance.
Not only the current state of the madrasa, but also the restoration processes it has undergone throughout history contain important lessons for the preservation of our cultural heritage.
Visiting this monumental building in Sivas offers the opportunity to discover the architectural and artistic richness of the Seljuk period. However, despite the restoration work, the need for more efforts does not go unnoticed.
I hope that Çifte Minareli Madrasa will remain a legacy for future generations with the conservation and restoration efforts it deserves.
Unfortunately, except for the minarets of the madrasah, the rest of the mosque was destroyed. Despite this, even the minarets are very beautiful. One wishes that the other places were still standing and were like their namesake in Erzurum. Whether it is Sivas, Erzurum or Amasya, you should definitely visit these cities, they are full of history.
The front face is composed of a crown gate with two minarets in the middle, windows on both sides and corner towers. No symmetry was sought when placing the decorated windows on the front.