AtlasIslamica
Madrasa

Ince Minaret Madrasa

Once a Seljuk Madressa, it now houses an impressive collection of Stone and woodwork from the Seljuk period. It’s stunning and worth a visit to see the treasures inside

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.

You may also like

Ulugh Beg Madrasa

Built in the era of Ulugh Beg, it Consists of parts of the mosque and madrasa. Ulugh Beg himself also gave lectures in his era. During his government, this madrasa became a center of learning

Zincirli Madrasa

This madrasa was active for more than 400 years after being turned into a medical school by the Bolshevik authorities

Ashab us-Suffah Platform

Platform that housed the Ashab us-Suffah (The People of the Bench). It was originally on the north wall of the masjid and was moved back when the masjid was extended in 7 AH

University of al-Qarawiyyin

Who says Islam oppress women. Do you know that this mosque is actually a university, the oldest one in the world build by a women which holds Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously operating, degree-granting...

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Constructed during the 16th century and served as an Islamic school, Ben Youssef Madrasa has wonderful architectural style, showcasing the living of the students of school in older days in the heart of Marrakesh

Bou Inania Madrasa

Considered the largest and most important madrasa created by the Marinid dynasty and turned into one of the most important religious institutions of Fes and Morocco

Let’s Talk