Exploring the History in Atabey Ertokus Madrasah

Antalya City Blog visited Ghazi Ertokus Bey Madrasah in Atabey in Isparta.

Who is Ghazi Ertokus Bey?

Once, stars, the sun and the moon were studied in the Madrasah. There were scientists studying medicine and besides rigious education mathematics, physics, philosophy and geography were teached as well. In the madrasah which was built upon the command of Seljukian u�bey (ruler) Atabey Ertokus Gazi in 1224 many university professors were educated during the time of the Ottoman Empire.

The Seljuk Empire:

The Seljuq Empire was a medieval Turkic empire (1037�1194), originating from the Qynyq branch of Oghuz Turks. The Seljuq Empire controlled a vast area stretching from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf. From their homelands near the Aral sea, the Seljuqs advanced first into Khorasan and then into mainland Persia before eventually conquering eastern Anatolia. A branch of the Seljuks established their own state in Anatolia (the sultanate of Konya or Rum, survived until it was conquered by the Mongols in 1243. Most of Anatolia permanently conquered by the Seljuq Turks.

Atabey Ertokus Madrasah:

When you enter the crown gate of the madrasah which is a typical example of Seljukian architecture, you see an inner court. Around the court are the madrasah rooms and there is a little pool in the middle. The peace of mind created by the voice of the water with the dome�s acoustic was envisaged at the time of planning. Right opposite the enterance gate you will see a tomb room. Madrasah is in the centrum of Atabey town. Walking around the outer court and the garden of the madrasah, you will see �devsirme (folding)� stones pertaining to Roman and Byzantian times and also writings and reliefs on these stones. 

Columns and capitals brought from the ancient cities of Agrai and Seleukeia Sidera were also used during construction. This building restored by the Directorate of Funds in 1993 is visited as one of the hictorical and important values of Isparta.

How to get there? 

Madrasah is in Atabey. Atabey is a town and district of Isparta Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The museum is 150km away from Antalya airport, 45km from Isparta Airport, and 24 km from the city center of Isparta.