Mahmudiye Madrassa

Mahmudiye Madrassa, also known as Ali Gav Zaviyesi (where "zaviye" refers to a small Islamic monastery), is located just a short distance from Karatay Madrassa. While it is believed that the Seljuks built this madrassa, the precise year of its construction remains unknown due to the missing epitaph.

Ali Gav, the figure associated with the zawiya, founded it in the 13th century north of the Karatay Madrasa and Atatürk High School. There is some uncertainty whether he was the sheikh or a mudarris (teacher) of the zawiya. According to local legend, Turkish soldiers once besieged Konya Castle but failed to capture it. A dervish named Ali, disguised in ox skin and mingling with a herd of cattle, secretly entered the castle through the gate and later opened it from within, enabling the soldiers to seize the city. The Persian word "Gav" means ox, which is why the dervish is known as Ali Gav. This story suggests that Ali may have been considered a hero among the soldiers.

Today, the Mahmudiye Madrassa remains an active religious educational institution where many students come daily to study Islamic sciences and arts. Despite its modest size, it offers one of the most comprehensive curricula among Islamic schools in Konya. The madrassa does not have specific visiting hours but typically closes by 6 p.m.