Zinciriye (Isa Bey) Madrasa is a madrasa built in Mardin in 1385 by the last Artuqid Sultan Melik Necmettin Isa; it is known for its segmented dome and the view of the Mesopotamian plain seen from its terrace floor.
The Zinciriye Madrasa was built in 1385 by Melik Necmettin Isa bin Muzaffer Davud, the last Artuqid Sultan who ruled in Mardin. This sultan, who fought with Timur's army, was imprisoned for a period in the madrasa he had built. The structure is popularly known as Zinciriye because of this. It is a rectangular, two-story building consisting of a courtyard, mosque, tomb, and student rooms. Upon entering through the monumental portal on the east side, one reaches a section with a star vault; in the middle of the mosque, there is a dome with muqarnas squinches, and inlaid motifs are striking around the mihrab. The minbar is made of cut stone.
The most talked-about aspect of the building is its two segmented domes and the image it adds to the city's silhouette. It is located just below Mardin Castle, at an elevation overlooking the city and the plain. Those who go up to the upper floor find Mardin and the Mesopotamian plain at their feet. Visitors especially mention the photos taken from the terrace at sunset. However, they also state that some of the railings are missing and families with children should be careful. The building, which was used as Aksaray Museum for a period in 1985, was converted into a prison in the late Ottoman period; today, in its restored state, it is open to visitors.
Compared to Kasimiye Madrasa, there are not many details to see inside. The real value of the visit is to go up to the terrace floor and see the view. The building is also a frequently preferred venue for wedding photo shoots, so you are likely to encounter couples taking photos on weekends and in the afternoon.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Mardin historical places, Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The view from the terrace comes alive towards sunset, and most visitors recommend this time. Since the stair climb can be tiring in the midday heat, early morning or late afternoon can be preferred. In summer, Mardin's stone streets get quite hot in the afternoon, which makes climbing to the terrace more difficult.
How to Get There?
The madrasa is located in the historical fabric of Mardin city center, on Birinci Cadde, towards Kuyumcular Bazaar. It is possible to approach by car, but the streets are narrow, and finding parking can be difficult due to cars of couples doing wedding shoots. Parking a bit further away and walking up is both more practical and an opportunity to see the side streets.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
The area to visit inside is limited; most of the time is spent watching the view from the terrace. 30-45 minutes is sufficient for most visitors. Those who want to take photos can stay a little longer to wait for the sunset light.
Location within the City
Zinciriye Madrasa is located right at the foot of Mardin Castle, on the bazaar line. Thanks to this location, it is both within walking distance of the city's historical center and offers a wide view of the Mesopotamian plain from the upper level. There is also a small cafe at the entrance, suitable for those who want to take a break before or after their visit.
Things to Pay Attention To
Visitor comments frequently mention that some of the railings on the upper floor are missing and the ground is poorly maintained; families with children should be careful on the terrace floor. The Museum Card is not valid at this venue, and the entrance fee is paid separately in cash or by card. Parking in the surrounding streets can be difficult, especially on weekends due to wedding photo shoots.
Best Spots for Photography
The point where you can go between the two segmented domes offers the widest angle to capture the entire city and the plain. The monumental eastern portal also provides a good backdrop for external shots. At sunset, the stone surfaces take on an orange hue; for this reason, the venue is also a frequent spot used by wedding photographers.
Historical Background
The building gets its name from an event that occurred among the people: Melik Necmettin Isa, after fighting with Timur's army, was imprisoned for a period in this madrasa he had built. The building, which was given different functions over time, was used as the Aksaray Museum for a period in 1985 and was converted into a prison in the last years of the Ottoman period. Today, in its restored state, it is open to visitors and occasionally hosts social and cultural events.
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