Red Madrasah

The Red Madrasah is an institution of higher education built in the 14th century by II. Han Şeref Bey, the ruler of the Cizre Principality. Scholars of the region were educated here during that period. The structure has a rectangular plan, oriented north-south, with an open courtyard and two iwans; measuring 38x28 meters, it was built on the remains of old city walls on the west side of the city. Its being a complex comprising a madrasah, a mosque, and a tomb distinguishes it from similar structures in the region.

Şırnak and Cizre get quite hot in the summer, so spring and autumn are more comfortable for visiting. If you plan to go in the summer, prefer the morning hours, as afternoon temperatures can make walking in the courtyard difficult. The color of the red bricks appears more vibrant with the afternoon sun; this time slot is advantageous for those who want to take photos.

The Red Madrasah is located in Dağ Kapı Neighborhood of Cizre district, close to the city center. From Şırnak city center, Cizre can be reached by private car or minibuses. Within Cizre, the madrasah can be reached by public transport or on foot. Since the surrounding tombs and Cizre Grand Mosque are also within walking distance, it is possible to visit several stops at once.

Visiting the madrasah itself takes 30-45 minutes. However, if you include the nearby Tomb of Prophet Noah, the Tomb of Ismail Ebu'l-İz el-Cezeri, the Tomb of Mem û Zîn, and the Cizre Grand Mosque, it is more logical to allocate half a day for exploring this area. It is more efficient to add Cizre to your travel plan not as a single point, but as a route covering several historical stops.

To the south of the Red Madrasah are the Tomb of Prophet Noah and the Tomb of Ismail Ebu'l-İz el-Cezeri; el-Cezeri is known as one of the important inventors of the Middle Ages. Further south are the Mîr Abdal Madrasah and the Tomb of Mem û Zîn, and to the southeast is the Cizre Grand Mosque. These stops are close to each other, so they can be visited on a single walking route.

Since the madrasah is also a place of worship, it is necessary not to consume food or drinks in the courtyard and tomb areas. As the mosque section is actively used, it is good to plan your visit accordingly during prayer times. The old information sign at the entrance, written in Ottoman Turkish, is a striking detail and a good spot for those who want to photograph it.

The view from the courtyard looking towards the eastern iwan shows the red brick texture and the porticoes together. The five-sided protruding facade of the tomb section is also worth a separate shot. When the light hits the building from the side in the afternoon, the red tone of the bricks appears more distinct; in the morning hours, the shadows can be too harsh.