Şifaiye Madrasah

It is clearly written in its inscription: in 1217, Seljuk Sultan Izz ad-Din Kaykaus I had this structure built as a darüşşifa, which means a hospital in today's terms. This is the largest-scale example among the Seljuk-era medical buildings in Anatolia. In 1768, the building was converted into a madrasah; during World War I, it also served as a warehouse for a period. Today, it is both a symbol of Sivas's Seljuk heritage, along with the Double Minaret Madrasah, and a structure on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Two figures attract attention in the spandrels of the stone gate's arch at the entrance: a lion symbolizing strength on the right, and a bull symbolizing health on the left. On the right of the main iwan, there is a woman's head with braided hair within a moon symbol, surrounded by the kalima-i tawhid inscription; on the left, there is a man's head within a sun symbol. These two panels are known as "Sûret-i Kamer" (Image of the Moon) and "Sûret-i Şems" (Image of the Sun). Tile work and stylized double-headed eagle motifs are among the other striking details of the structure. The best time for photography is in the afternoon; the light hits the stone gate from the side.

Since the building has an open courtyard, it can be shadeless and hot in the summer, and in winter, Sivas's cold climate can make visiting the courtyard difficult. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Visiting in the afternoon is a sensible choice to avoid the heat and to see the stone craftsmanship in good light.

The madrasah is located in Sivas city square, directly opposite the Double Minaret Madrasah. As it is in the city center, those coming by private car can park nearby, and those coming by public transport can reach it by walking a few minutes from stops on the central line. Since the Governorship Building (City Museum) and other Seljuk madrasahs are in the same square, it is possible to visit them all on a single walking route.

Visiting the structure itself takes 30-45 minutes. If you want to sit and drink tea in the courtyard, this time can extend to an hour. If you are planning a day trip in Sivas, you can consider Şifaiye Madrasah, the Double Minaret Madrasah, and other Seljuk structures in the city square on the same day, as part of a single walking route.

The cafe and souvenir shops in the courtyard are private businesses; there are mixed experiences regarding service quality in reviews, with some visitors being satisfied while others complain about their orders. It is advisable to observe the environment before ordering anything. Also, the building may be closed at certain hours; it may be necessary to check the status before visiting, especially on special days.

The city square where Şifaiye Madrasah is located is the area where Sivas's Seljuk-era structures are concentrated. Opposite it is the Double Minaret Madrasah, and nearby are the Kale Mosque and the old Governorship building, which is used as the City Museum. It is possible to see several historical structures consecutively with a short walk in the same area.