Sıti Radviyye-hatuniye Medresesi

Enchanting Mardin hides many treasures within its labyrinths, and one of the most significant among them is the Sitti Radviyye Hatun Madrasa. This majestic historical structure, located in the heart of the ancient city, is an outstanding example of Artuqid architecture. As one of the first two-story madrasas in Anatolia, it attracts travelers with its austere beauty and rich past.

Sitti Radviyye Hatuniyya Madrasa. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built in Turkey back in the 12th century, the complex features a harmonious layout with an open courtyard surrounded by elegant galleries. From the outside, the building looks like an impenetrable fortress, but inside lies incredible stone carving decorating the minarets and iwan vaults. Today, the madrasa continues to live: part of its premises is used as a mosque, filling the ancient walls with the sounds of prayer.

The main feature of this place is a unique relic kept in a glass display case: the footprint of the Prophet Muhammad. Visitors can also see the family tomb where the founder of the madrasa and her son rest under a majestic dome. This is not just a museum object, but a living monument of faith and art that has preserved the spirit of old Mesopotamia.

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Once inside the complex, be sure to take some time to study the stone carving craftsmanship. Closely examine the patterns on the minaret and the main iwan — these details vividly demonstrate the height of Artuqid period art. The courtyard, with its traditional galleries (revaks), is ideal for feeling the coolness and peace that madrasa students enjoyed hundreds of years ago.

A special highlight of the visit is viewing the sacred relic — the footprint of the Prophet Muhammad, displayed in a special glass kiosk. It is also worth entering the tomb of Sitti Raziye to see the ancient sarcophagi under the characteristic squinch dome. Since the building functions as a mosque today, you will have the opportunity to observe the local way of life and, if you wish, join the prayer in the prayer hall.

Don't forget to prepare your camera: the Sitti Radviyye Hatun Madrasa is a wonderful spot for architectural photography. It offers authentic views of the old quarters, and the play of light and shadow on the golden stone creates unique shots. You can round off your visit with a walk to nearby attractions, such as the caravanserai or the Bab-es-Sur Mosque, which are just a few minutes' walk away.

The madrasa is located at Gül, Şahinler Sk. No:1 in the very heart of the city's historical district. Since this is the central part of the old town, the best way to get here is on foot, strolling through the picturesque narrow streets. Landmarks such as the Bab-es-Sur-Melik Mahmud Mosque or the Artuklu Caravanserai, which are just a couple of minutes' walk away, can serve as guides.

If you are arriving from Mardin Airport, the distance is about 19 km. You can use a taxi or take a regular bus to the Mardin Merkez stop, which will take about 20–30 minutes depending on the traffic situation.

For those who prefer public transport, any routes heading to the center of Mardin are suitable. It is worth noting that the historical part of the city is mainly pedestrian, so a car or taxi can only take you to the nearest accessible point, after which you will need to walk a bit, enjoying the views of ancient architecture.

The history of this place is rooted in the reign of the Artuqid dynasty. The madrasa was founded between 1176 and 1184 at the initiative of Sitti Raziye (also known as Sitti Radviyye), the mother of the ruler of Mardin, Kutbuddin Ilgazi. The official founding document (waqfiyya) was carved in stone in 1206, making the building one of the oldest educational institutions in the region.

Architecturally, this structure is considered one of the first two-story madrasas with an open courtyard and iwans in Anatolia. Although the building has undergone significant changes over the centuries and part of the original structures has been lost, it has preserved its unique layout and exquisite stone carving characteristic of the Artuqid period.

In a separate room — a domed tomb — rest the founder herself and her son, Kutbuddin Ilgazi. For a long time, this place was not only a center of religious education but also an important spiritual landmark for the city's residents, maintaining its status as a monument of world significance today.

To leisurely explore all the architectural details, visit the tomb, and soak in the historical atmosphere, it usually takes about 1–2 hours. This is quite enough for a quiet tour of the interiors, studying the relics, and taking commemorative photos.

If you plan to combine your visit with prayer or want to linger longer in the courtyard admiring the craftsmanship of the ancient stonemasons, it is worth setting aside a bit more time. The place is ideal for contemplative rest away from the hustle and bustle of the busy market quarters.

The madrasa is open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 20:00. This schedule allows you to plan your visit both early in the morning, when the city is just waking up, and in the pre-sunset hours, when the soft light emphasizes the beauty of the stonework.

As the site functions as an active mosque, tourists are advised to show respect during religious services. The attraction does not have an official website, so it is best to check on-site for the most up-to-date information regarding potential schedule changes during holidays.

Mardin is a true open-air museum, where every step reveals a new page of history. Exploring the surroundings of the Sitti Radviyye Hatun Madrasa will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this unique Mesopotamian city and see other architectural masterpieces.