Medresses & Libraries

A good number of madrassahs either within complexes or independently were established in Istanbul, cultural and education center of Ottoman Empire and Islamic World. First and large complex madrassahs were:

Semaniye and Tetimme madrassahs located in a symmetrical arrangement within the Fatih Complex. Second important example is;
Composed of 19 spaces within the Beyazid Complex. The First and Second and additionally,Fourth and Fifth madrassahs are situated were.
The madrassah in Sultan Ahmed Complex is a classical example formed of domed rooms taking place in the perimeter of central courtyard.
The madrassah within the Nuruosmaniye Complex is very large.
The madrassah within the Abdulhamit I Complex is a two-storied independent building. Charity fountains, mesjids (mosques without minaret) libraries, tombs are additionally annexed to independent madrassahs.
Gazanferaga (1599)
Kuyucu Murat Pasha (1606)
Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Pasha (1682-1690)
Çorlulu Ali Pasha (1708)
Rustem Pasha (1550) madrassah is pointed out as an example among madrassahs of single building.
Libraries

Establishment of libraries in the Ottoman Empire, independent or as a part of Complexes started in the l7th century. The oldest example known among the libraries which have the quality of a foundation is the Köprülü Library (1661). There is a library also within the Amcazade Huseyin Pasha Complex.

Among the Libraries taking place in a mosque, like one made in Baroque style separated by cast bronze banisters, which is located next to the Suleymaniye Mosque can be mentioned (1751- 1752).

It is observed that decoration in library architecture densifies in the l8th century Libraries such as Feyzullah Efendi in Fatih, Sehit Ali Pasha in Vefa (1715), Mahmut I in Ayasofya and Atif Efendi in Vefa are the examples of this kind.

The Library Mustafa Efendi had made in Sultanhamam Istanbul (1741 and 1742) is converted to a business place. Latest examples of Large Complexes are Nuruosmaniye and Hamidiye Libraries.

Istanbul stands between Europe and Asia and is a once in a life-time 'must visit'. Istanbul, was formerly known as Constantinople, and before that Byzantium. It was also home to the largest building in the world for a thousand years and Haghia Sophia is still standing despite earthquakes. The design of Mosques actually comes from this building which was originally a church built in 535AD. You should not miss this city.


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