Kasımiye Madrasa

There is no original inscription left from the Kasımiye Madrasa (Kasımiye Medresesi) yet it is known that the construction started during the Artuqid Period and carried on during 1487 – 1502 by Sultan Kasım of the Akkoyounlular Period. Known as the largest of the structures in Mardin, this duplex structured and open courtyard planned madrasa with brick stone and terra cotta used together embraces the endless Mesopotomia Valley. Surviving to date, the madrasa was used multifunctionally at its day. There are symbols of astronomy and medical sciences on the walls. The madrasa’s porticoed courtyard also has a large pool. Water flowing in a few metres away from the pool goes through a gutter and reaches the pool. This pool was designed with a philosophical approach to architecture to reflect human life from birth to death. The spring stands for birth followed the first steps, and then drifts, followed by a long and narrow period of youth; then the pool symbolizing age and weariness followed by the still waters symbolizing death and finally the large drifting pool symbolizing the Day of Judgment… It is known that at some stage, the pool was used for teaching astronomy using the reflection of the stars on the still water. The doors to the classrooms were only a little above a meter so that the students would bow before they entered in and stood before the tutors in respect. There is a 600 year old legend which came to our day, narrating that Kasım Sultan was decapitated by Tamerlane in this madrasa. Kasım’s sister swept her scarf with which she cleant the blood on the ground and the blood splashed all over the walls of the vaulted room. It is believed that there still are blood drops on the walls of this vaulted room.