KARATAY TILE WORKS MUSEUM

The Karatay Madrasa, now used as the Museum of Tile Works, was built in 1251 by Emir Celâleddin Karatay during the reign of Seljuk Sultan İzzeddin Keykâvus II. The interior of the madrasa is covered with mosaics and tile panels. It is believed that its architect was Muhammed bin Havlan. Built during the Seljuk period for the teaching of hadith and tafsir (Quranic exegesis), the madrasa belongs to the "Closed Courtyard Madrasa" group. Its body walls are made of stone, while the domes and vaults are made of brick. It is constructed of Sille stone and is single story. The entrance is from the east, through a door made of blue and white marble, a masterpiece of Seljuk era stonework. Inscriptions related to the construction of the madrasa are found above the door, and selected verses and hadiths are carved in relief on its other surfaces. The tomb of Celâleddin Karatay is located in the southwest cell of the madrasa. The Karatay Madrasa, which holds an important place in Anatolian Seljuk era tile craftsmanship, was opened to the public as the "Tile Works Museum" in 1955. The museum displays tiles and ceramics from the Seljuk, Beylik, and Ottoman periods, particularly tiles from the Kubad Âbâd Palace, plaster decorations, cabinets, tile plates, and lamps. The museum is open every day of the week except Monday.