Rüstem Pasha Madrasa is a structure built in 1550 by Rüstem Pasha, Grand Vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent, in Kütahya city center. The original building was demolished in the 1930s, then rebuilt based on its stone gate, and today serves as a handicrafts bazaar where tile and copper processing are done.
The Rüstem Pasha Madrasa was built in 1550 by Rüstem Pasha, who was both the Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Suleiman the Magnificent. The inscription of the building, with Arabic and Persian couplets, describes the purpose of the madrasa's construction; however, the inscription is not displayed in the madrasa today, but in the Kütahya Archaeology Museum. It is known that Rüstem Pasha also established a tile workshop here. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the tiles of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul are of Kütahya origin.
The building was completely demolished in the 1930s, except for a section of the crown gate. Since its original state was not clearly known, the restoration was based on an oil painting made by Kütahya painter Ahmet Yakupoğlu in the 1950s: a single door to the north, two round-arched windows on the west facade, and a flat lintel appearance. The current structure is a reconstruction based on these traces and cannot be considered a full restoration.
The madrasa is no longer a place of education. The open-courtyard plan, consisting of ten cells and a classroom, has now been transformed into a small bazaar where traditional handicrafts are produced and sold. Shops selling local products such as tiles and copperware surround the courtyard.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Seyitömer Mound.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the madrasa is a small structure, it can be visited all year round. Spring and autumn are more comfortable for visiting along with the rest of the Kütahya city center tour, including the tile museum, Kütahya Castle, and Ulu Mosque. In summer months, it can be considered a short stop during the midday heat; the visit doesn't take much time anyway.
How to Get There
Rüstem Pasha Madrasa is located approximately 300 meters from Kütahya city center, on Balıklı Street. If you are staying in a hotel near the center, walking is the most practical way. If you are coming from outside the city, a short taxi ride from the bus station or train station is sufficient.
Location within the City
The structure is in a central location, close to the area where Karagöz Mosque is situated. It can be included in a short walking route in Kütahya's historical core; there are old bazaar streets and traditional artisan shops around it.
How Much Time to Allocate
The madrasa itself can be explored in 20-30 minutes. If you plan to browse for tiles or copperware in the shops in the courtyard, the time might extend a bit, but you don't need to plan for more than half an hour.
Suggested Route
It is most logical to include it in a Kütahya city center tour. It can be fitted into the same day as Kütahya Castle, Ulu Mosque, and Çinili Mosque. For those who wish to see its inscription, the last stop should be the Kütahya Archaeology Museum, as the original inscription of the madrasa is exhibited there.
Handicrafts Bazaar
The madrasa is no longer a place of education; the cells in its courtyard have been transformed into small shops where traditional handicrafts are produced and sold. You can find local products such as Kütahya tiles and copperware here, and chat with the artisans.
For Photography
The crown gate is the most unique and photograph-worthy part of the structure. Shots taken from inside the courtyard towards the arched windows also reflect the architecture well.
Things to Note
The structure you see is not an exact replica of the original madrasa that was demolished in the 1930s. Except for a section of the crown gate, the building was completely destroyed, and since the original plan was unknown, it was reconstructed based on remnants and a painting from that period. Knowing this will help you appreciate the structure more accurately.
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