Kasimiye Medrese (madrassa) in Mardin in Southeastern Anatolia was built in the late 14th century during end of Artuklu (Artuqid) period in this region. Maybe the madrassa was completed during the reign of turkoman Akkoyunlu in the mid of 15th century. It is named after Kasim Pasha, the son of the Akkoyunlu Cihangir Bey (r.1444-1453).

Kasimiye Medrese was an important place for studies of physics, chemistry, medical science, astronomy and islamic theology. Above each of the low doors to the small classrooms showed a symbol the field of study. Standing on the roof of Kasimiye Medrese offers a wonderful view over the region of old Northern Mesepotamia.

In an high arched niche water gushes out of the wall and flows through a trickle into a basin in the middle of the madrassa. The artificial source of water in the wall symbolizes the birth, the trickle the childhood and youth and the basin symbolizes the place, where the people will gather after death on the day of the court. About the red stains on the walls the Legend relates that when Kasim Pasha died in a battle with Timurids, his sister threw angry and sad his bloody shirt to the wall.

© Photo by Jens Helmstedt

Challenge ‘History 101’ Winner in First Things

Featured in History , Image Writing and Religious Architecture