Mayor Altay Inspects Restoration Works at Seljuk Landmarks

Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ugur Ibrahim Altay, together with Konya Regional Director of Foundations Yılmaz Kılınc, conducted inspections at the Ince Minaret Madrasa and Sahib Ata Complex, which are currently undergoing restoration.

Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay emphasized that Konya stands out as an ancient city of civilization, renowned for its historical and cultural wealth. He reminded that, as the municipality, they are carrying out urban renewal, transformation, and restoration efforts at 20 different locations in the city center as part of the Darülmülk Project, one of Turkey's largest revival initiatives.

Mayor Altay stated, “Our Regional Directorate of Foundations is carrying out restoration work on the Ince Minaret Madrasa and Sahib Ata Complex, two iconic structures of Konya. Built by Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali, a vizier of the Seljuk Empire, these two landmarks hold a special place as symbols of our city, the Seljuk capital, Konya. We are committed to preserving these works, which are significant for our history, culture, and city tourism, for future generations. The restoration efforts are being conducted with great care. I extend my gratitude to our Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Director General of Foundations, the Regional Director, and everyone involved in these important projects.”

Sahip Ata Mosque and Hangah

Construction of the complex, commissioned by Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali, a vizier of the Anatolian Seljuk State, to Kölük bin Abdullah, began in 1258 and was completed in 1283. The complex consists of a mosque, tomb, hangah, and a double bath. In 2023, significant restoration work commenced on the hangah, tomb, and mosque sections. The tomb, which houses the grave of Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali, also contains tile-covered sarcophagi belonging to his two sons, daughter, and grandson.

Ince Minaret Madrasa

The madrasa, built by Ebu'l Hayrat Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali, was also known as "Sahib-i Ata Darulhadis." While its exact construction date is unknown, it must have been built before 1265-1280, as it is mentioned in Sahib Ata's endowment records from that period. The architect of the structure was Kölük bin Abdullah, who also designed the Sahib Ata Complex.

In 1901, a lightning strike destroyed the minaret, and the mosque adjacent to the madrasa fell into ruin. The madrasa's monumental protruding entrance, adorned with intricate designs, gives the structure its identity. The entrance features verses from the Surahs Yasin and Al-Fath, symbolizing the persistence of knowledge and the spiritual resilience of the society despite the Mongol pressure of the era.