Gök Medrese Foundation Museum is a Seljuk madrasa built in 1271 by Sahip Ata in the center of Sivas; it is known for its turquoise tiles and the tree of life motif on its stone gate, and has been open as a museum since 2021.
Gök Medrese was built in 1271 by Architect Kaluyan, commissioned by Sahip Ata Fahrettin Ali, one of the great viziers of the Anatolian Seljuk State. Its original name is Sahibiye Madrasa. However, the turquoise and sky-blue tiles used in the mosque to the right of the entrance iwan and in the two side iwans are so abundant that over time, it became popularly known as Gök Medrese (Sky Madrasa). The marble monumental gate is the only marble element of the structure and covers approximately one-third of the facade's 31.25-meter width.
Above the monumental gate is one of the largest tree of life motifs found in Seljuk works. This figure was not merely an ornament but was considered a symbol of the pillar of the universe, fertility, and the protective power of the state in the beliefs of the era. 12 different animal head reliefs and star motifs also draw attention in the madrasa. The open-courtyard, two-story, four-iwan plan is typical of a Seljuk madrasa layout. According to contemporary sources, religious sciences as well as astronomy were taught here.
The restoration, which began in 2014, was completed in 2021, and the structure was opened to visitors as the Gök Medrese Foundation Museum. Its ownership and protection belong to the General Directorate of Foundations. In 2014, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under the title "Anatolian Seljuk Madrasas," along with other Seljuk madrasas in Konya, Kayseri, Erzurum, and Kırşehir.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Sivas, Historical Places, Historical places in Sivas, Şuğul Canyon.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The museum can be visited regardless of weather conditions, as the main tour takes place indoors and in the courtyard. In summer, Sivas can be quite hot in the afternoon, so preferring morning hours will ensure a more comfortable visit. In winter, the interiors feel more spacious than outside. For lighting, we recommend afternoon hours: the sun hitting the courtyard brings out the tones of the turquoise tiles more clearly.
How to Get There
Gök Medrese is located in Sivas city center. Those arriving by intercity bus can easily reach the city center from the bus terminal by minibus or taxi. If you are coming with your own car, street parking is usually available around the madrasa. If you are staying in the city center, walking is the most practical option. Sivas's historical sites are located close to each other.
Other Stops in the City
When visiting Gök Medrese, it makes sense to add other Seljuk works of Sivas to your itinerary. Çifte Minareli Medrese (Double Minaret Madrasa) and Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) are within walking distance of the center. Sivas Congress Building is also part of the historical center and a separate stop for those interested in the history of the Turkish War of Independence. Since most of these works are close to each other, it is not difficult to create a half-day walking route.
How Much Time to Allocate
The madrasa itself is not a large structure; the visit can be completed in 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, if you want to see other Seljuk works in Sivas, you need to spend at least one full day in the city. Visiting Sivas not only for this museum but for the entire historical fabric of the city center is more fulfilling.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting the day with Gök Medrese, then moving on to Çifte Minareli Medrese, and from there to Ulu Cami is a logical sequence. In the afternoon, the Sivas Congress Building and Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum can be added. Ending the day with a tea break in the city center in the evening is the most efficient way to summarize Sivas's Seljuk heritage in one day.
Things to Pay Attention To
Remember that the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. The restored tiles and stone decorations are delicate; observing them without touching contributes to the preservation of the structure. Keep in mind that flash photography may be restricted in some areas.
Photo Spots
The most striking shot is the tree of life motif above the monumental gate. General plan photos taken from the courtyard are the best angles to show the symmetrical four-iwan structure. The turquoise tiles in the mosque and side iwans are more impressive in close-up, and these tones emerge more clearly in the afternoon light.
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