Şehidiye Madrasa is a madrasa and mosque in Mardin's old city, built in 1214 by Artuqid Sultan Melik Nasreddin Artuk Aslan, known for its slender cylindrical minaret and yellow stone craftsmanship; the mosque and its courtyard are open for free visits.
Şehidiye Madrasa was built in 1214 by Melik Nasreddin Artuk Aslan, one of the Artuqid rulers. It was constructed according to the classical madrasa scheme with an arcaded courtyard and an iwan. The mosque section was later added to the structure, and today both are used together. The most striking element of the structure is its thin, tall cylindrical minaret. When viewed from the streets of Mardin, it is immediately noticeable in the city's silhouette.
Upon entering, the craftsmanship of the yellow Mardin stone, from the floor to the walls, is striking. While wandering in the courtyard, the cells under the arcades draw attention; these are known as the rooms where students who studied here centuries ago stayed. Visitors speak of the tranquility of the courtyard, the warm color of the stone, and the mosque remaining open until late at night. One traveler reported being able to enter and worship even at 11:30 PM, stating that the place was clean and well-lit. Some comments, however, mention that the minaret lighting is turned off at night, and while a few minarets used to be lit, fewer are now. Such details can vary by season.
It is located in the narrow streets of Old Mardin, right at the beginning of the road leading to the Sabancı City Museum. Some visitors say that its maintenance is a bit behind compared to church structures. Nevertheless, the historical texture of the building and its location overlooking the Mesopotamian plain make it one of Mardin's must-see stops.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Mardin historical places, Mardin Grand Mosque.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
During Mardin's hot summer months, midday in stone structures can be quite scorching. It's more comfortable to visit Şehidiye Madrasa early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Spring and autumn are more suitable for those who want to take photos, both in terms of weather and light. It is stated that the mosque section can remain open at night, which is also an option for those taking an evening tour.
How to Get There
The madrasa is located on 1st Street, considered Mardin's main artery, opposite the old PTT building. It is within walking distance of most hotels in the city center. The road to the Sabancı City Museum also starts here, making it a natural stop on an old city tour.
Location within the City
It is one of the structures you encounter while walking through the narrow, stone-paved streets of Old Mardin. Other historical structures such as Zinciriye Madrasa, Kasımiye Madrasa, and the Grand Mosque are also within walking distance. It can easily be added to a one-day city walking itinerary.
How Much Time to Allocate
The madrasa itself is not a large structure. Exploring the courtyard and mosque section takes 20-30 minutes. However, for those who want to linger in the surrounding streets and examine the stone facades, the time can easily extend.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting the old city tour from 1st Street and continuing to Şehidiye Madrasa, then walking to Sabancı City Museum and Zinciriye Madrasa, forms a logical sequence. It is also possible to add the Grand Mosque to the itinerary on the same day, as the distances are suitable for walking.
Photo Spots
The cylindrical minaret gives a clearer silhouette when photographed from across the street. The stone craftsmanship and arcade arches within the courtyard also offer good shots for detail photos. Near sunset, the color of the stone takes on a warmer hue.
Things to Note
The mosque section is actively open for worship, so it is necessary to be quiet and respectful during prayer times. Some visitors note that the maintenance of the structure is behind compared to the churches in Mardin, and that the minaret lighting sometimes does not work at night. This situation may vary by season and time.
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