The Sırçalı Madrasa: Seljuk Architecture in Konya

The Sırçalı Madrasa was built in Konya in 1242-1243 by Bedreddin Muslih, the teacher of Sultan II. Alaeddin Keykubat. It was constructed with the purpose of providing religious education. An inscription in the main hall's arch credits the construction to the master Mehmet from Tus.

Used as a madrasa through the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, it fell into disuse in the 17th century. By the 19th century, it was repurposed with adobe rooms. The madrasa was restored and opened to visitors in 1960 as part of the Konya Museum and further restored in 1969 to its original form. It was renovated again between 1988-1990, with a Byzantine catacomb added to the museum's exhibition.

The madrasa is a two-story structure with a symmetrical plan, featuring an arched hall built of cut stone and notable ceramic decorations. Its well-preserved gate, adorned with geometric borders and inscriptions, leads to a courtyard with a central pool surrounded by porticos. The building includes 16 rooms, including student cells and domed classrooms.

The tomb of Bedreddin Muslih (d. 1258) is located next to the entrance, featuring brickwork in a zigzag pattern and a domed roof. The interior includes a Persian inscription praising the architect's work. The structure utilizes a mix of materials, including rubble stone, cut stone, and brick. The main hall remains well-preserved, although some tiles have deteriorated.