Gökmedrese is an Anatolian Seljuk madrasa built in 1277 by Muinüddin Süleyman Pervane, located on Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard in Tokat city center; it is known for its blue-turquoise tiles and is open to visitors free of charge.
Gökmedrese stands on Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard in the Tokat city center, within walking distance of Taşhan. It is an Anatolian Seljuk structure built between 1257-1277 by Muinüddin Süleyman Pervane. Its two-story plan and inscription have survived to the present day in their original form. It takes its name from the blue-turquoise tiles used in the building.
Its history is not limited to being just a madrasa. Over time, it served as a darüşşifa, meaning a hospital. Later, a tomb section was added, and during the Ottoman period, it was used for different purposes. It is also known as Kırkkızlar among the public. The fact that it housed the Tokat Museum for many years leads to the building being remembered both as the old museum building and as a Seljuk artifact.
The structure, which is open to visitors today, is one of the most concrete examples of Seljuk madrasa architecture in Tokat with its stone craftsmanship and spatial design. Since it is on the same route as Taşhan and Tokat Castle, it makes sense to visit it not alone, but as part of a short walking route.
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Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since Gökmedrese is an enclosed structure, it can be visited all year round. However, spring and autumn months are more comfortable for those who want to visit Taşhan and Tokat Castle together on foot. In summer, the city center can get crowded around noon; morning hours are more relaxed.
How to Get There
Gökmedrese is located on Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard in Tokat city center. Those coming from outside the city can first reach Tokat bus station and then take a city minibus or taxi to the center. Once in the center, it is easily found on foot due to its proximity to Taşhan.
City Transportation and Surroundings
The structure is intertwined with other important stops in Tokat's historical center. Taşhan is within walking distance; Tokat Castle and the area known as the old museum building are also in the same region. Therefore, planning Gökmedrese not alone, but as a stop on a city center walking route, is more time-efficient.
How Much Time to Allocate
Since the structure itself is not large, 30-45 minutes is sufficient. But when visited together with Taşhan, Tokat Castle, and Tokat Museum in its surroundings, it can turn into a half-day city center tour.
Suggested Route
Starting the city center tour from Taşhan, walking to Gökmedrese, and then continuing towards Tokat Castle is a logical sequence. On cold and snowy days, you can prioritize indoor visits like Gökmedrese over outdoor stops.
Where to Stay
Staying in a hotel close to the city center makes it easier to visit Gökmedrese and its surrounding historical sites on foot. There are various accommodation options around Tokat center, Taşhan, and Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard.
Things to Pay Attention To
Since the structure is a historical artifact, be careful not to touch anything inside and pay attention to restoration signs. Remember that during winter months, opening hours are shifted to 08:00-17:00; it is useful to confirm current hours before visiting.
FAQ
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