Konya, Turkey
Coordinates: 37.872800, 32.490000
Ince Minareli Madrasa (Seminary of the Slender Minaret) is a 13th-century madrasa (Islamic school) located in Konya, Turkey, now housing the Museum of Stone and Wood Art.
The minaret was originally much taller than the section that survives today, and had an unusually slender appearance in comparison to the minarets of other contemporary Seljuk mosques, hence the name of the structure.
The grand portal to the Madrasa is completely covered with intricate Seljuk decoration and Kur’anic inscriptions, and is among the finest of extant Seljuk grand portals.
The interior was beautifully tiled (some of which has survived) around the windows and dome.
The main hall, with a refreshing pool of water, was the center of seminary life; the large eyvans (alcoves) were used for classes, and the smaller rooms as living quarters.
The building has been restored and now houses Konya’s Museum of Wooden Artifacts and Stone Carving.
Exhibits within the museum include elaborately carved wooden mosque doors, decorative panels, marble panels carved with typical Seljuk designs of birds, lions, angels, double-headed eagles and even a few elephants.
The Ince Minare Museum is open every day from 9 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm, with an entry fee of TL2.
