Dündarbey Madrasah in Eğirdir, Isparta, is a 14th-century stone Islamic school built in 1301-1302 with striking geometric stonework, free admission, and now serves cultural purposes with a courtyard cafe.
Dündarbey Madrasah rises in the bazaar center of Eğirdir, adjacent to the city walls. It is also known as Taşmedrese (Stone Madrasah). According to the inscription above the main iwan, it was built in 701 AH (1301-1302 AD) by order of Felekuddin Dündar Bey from the Hamidids. A separate inscription on its monumental gate mentions a caravanserai from 1236-37, dating to the reign of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II. For a long time, it was thought that this caravanserai was converted into a madrasah, but it was later understood that the gate was moved here from the ruins of a caravanserai located 3 km from Eğirdir towards Denizli.
The structure is two-iwans, two-storied, and built around an arcaded courtyard. The main iwan is covered with a barrel vault and rises through two floors; the space to its left is covered with a dome, and the one to its right with a barrel vault. The rectangular courtyard is surrounded by arcades on three sides, behind which the madrasah rooms are lined up. The Seljuk monumental gate with muqarnas squinches is adorned with geometric interlaces. It features some of the most striking stone masonry to be seen in Eğirdir.
Today, the madrasah is used for cultural purposes. In its courtyard, there is a small cafe and a corner where natural products (lavender oil, rose water, soap) produced by a women's cooperative are sold. Visitors recommend sitting in the courtyard and drinking rose coffee, and closely examining the stone texture. The adjacent Hızırbey Mosque can also be visited during the same trip.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the madrasah is a small structure with a largely open courtyard, shade decreases during hot summer afternoons. Visiting in spring and autumn, during the hours before noon, allows you to comfortably examine the stone masonry and take a peaceful break in the courtyard. Those who visit Eğirdir during lavender or rose harvest seasons can also find fresh rose-lavender products in the vicinity.
How to Get There
From Isparta city center, Eğirdir can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by private car or frequent minibuses. The distance from Eğirdir bus station to the madrasah is within walking distance, in the bazaar. When you find Hızırbey Mosque, the madrasah is right next to it.
Location in Eğirdir Bazaar
Dündarbey Madrasah was built adjacent to the outer city walls surrounding Eğirdir, which is why there are no windows opening to the outside in the rooms on its eastern side. Since it is right in the middle of the bazaar, it is a short walk to Eğirdir Lake shore, fish restaurants, and the peninsula.
How Much Time to Allocate
The structure is compact; it is not a place to spend hours exploring a large area. As visitors also state, 20-30 minutes is sufficient to look at the stone masonry, take a few photos in the courtyard, and drink coffee. It is more realistic to consider it as a short break to fit into your itinerary rather than a main stop for a full day when visiting Eğirdir.
Suggested Itinerary
It makes sense to plan the madrasah visit with Hızırbey Mosque in Eğirdir, as they are side by side. Afterwards, going down to the lake shore to cross to Yeşil Ada or visit Can Adası completes the day. If you are coming from Isparta city center, stopping by the lavender gardens in Kuyucak Village on the way back also fits well into the itinerary.
What to Drink, What to Buy
In the small cafe in the courtyard, the local rose coffee is a prominent flavor. Visitors state that its scent and taste are unusual. Turkish coffee is also available, and prices are found to be reasonable compared to outside. In the same area, natural products such as lavender oil, rose water, and soap produced by a women's cooperative are sold. These are a good option for souvenirs to buy from Eğirdir.
Things to Consider
Since the structure is both a historical madrasah and, to some extent, a place with religious sensitivities, some visitors warn about respectful behavior. If you want to buy rose water, check the packaging's durability for a long journey back, as sellers state that liquid products carry a risk during transport.
Good Spots for Photos
The monumental gate with muqarnas squinches and the geometrically interlaced surface are the most photographed details of the madrasah. Shots taken from the open courtyard capture the play of light and shadow on the arcades well. If you come before noon, the light shows the stone texture more clearly.
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