The Twin Minaret Madrasah is a Seljuk madrasah from 1271 located in Sivas city square; only its crown gate and tile-brick minarets remain, and admission is free.
When you see the Twin Minaret Madrasah from afar, the first thing you notice is how the two minarets can stand so delicately on a crown gate. The structure was built in 1271 by the Ilkhanid vizier Shams al-Din Muhammad Juvayni, as a Dar al-Hadith, a madrasah where religious sciences were taught. It was originally a large, two-story structure with an open courtyard and four iwans, but time and destruction have taken their toll. Today, only the facade remains: the crown gate and the brick-tile minarets above it.
The crown gate is considered one of the tallest examples in Anatolia. Looking closely, you can see that the spiral motifs are intricately carved in double layers, which gives the light a sense of depth. The name 'Allah' appears in Kufic script on the iwan walls. The minarets are built with brick and glazed brick, adorned with geometric tile decorations; the balconies (şerefe) and conical roofs (külah) were later renovated. The facade is flanked by two corner towers, with inverted and upright triangular motifs on them. The lamp-candle figure at the top of these triangles is actually a symbol: a reference to the idea that education illuminates both itself and its surroundings.
Visitor comments highlight the historical texture and stone craftsmanship of the building, with some noting that the evening light makes the tiles appear more vibrant. Some visitors have written that they could not enter recently due to restoration work. Check the current status before you go. The madrasah is located directly opposite the Izz ad-Din Kaykaus Darüşşifa, right in the middle of the city square. It's a stop you can easily fit into your itinerary, visible within a half-hour walk in Sivas.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable periods in Sivas in terms of both temperature and crowds. During summer, it can be hot during the day, but visitors write that evenings cool down even in summer, and a light cardigan or sweater comes in handy. In winter, the silhouette of the crown gate under snow offers a different view, but the ground can be slippery.
How to Get There
The madrasah stands right in the center of Sivas city square, opposite the Izz ad-Din Kaykaus Darüşşifa. It's within a 10-15 minute walk from most hotels in the city center. If you're coming from the bus station or train station, you can reach it quickly by taxi or city buses. From Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi to the city center.
Around the City Square
The city square where the madrasah is located is a hub of Seljuk-era structures in Sivas. Buruciye Madrasah, Gök Madrasah, Şifaiye Madrasah, and Izz ad-Din Kaykaus Darüşşifa are all within walking distance of each other. If you dedicate an afternoon to this area, you can see four or five different Seljuk structures consecutively.
How Much Time to Allocate
The structure itself can be comfortably explored in 20-30 minutes; since only the facade has survived, the interior is not a large area. However, if you plan it together with the other madrasahs and the city square around it, half a day can easily be filled.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Buruciye Madrasah in the morning, then Gök Madrasah, Şifaiye Madrasah, and finishing at the Twin Minaret Madrasah towards noon is a logical sequence. Taking a break at one of the tea gardens in the city square is also a frequently recommended stop by visitors; finding an empty table can sometimes be difficult, though.
Best Spot for Photos
Shots taken directly opposite the crown gate, from a little further back, show both minarets in balance. In the late afternoon, the side light accentuates the geometric motifs in the tiles, and the shadow-light contrast reveals the depth of the stone carvings.
Things to Note
Recently, some visitors have stated that they could not enter due to restoration work. Before specifically traveling to Sivas, confirm whether the site is open with the provincial culture and tourism directorate or local sources. Since the enclosed part of the structure is no longer standing, the visit is short, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
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