History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Zinciriye Madrasa, built by Karamanoğlu Yahşi Bey in 1336 during the Karamanoğulları Principality, is a monumental educational institution that continues the Seljuk architectural tradition. The monumental portal at the entrance of the building was known as 'Zinciriye' by the public due to its muqarnas ornament, geometric stone carvings and the hanging chain that was hung on the portal in the past. The madrasah has trained hundreds of scholars in the fields of tafsir, hadith, fiqh, mathematics (mathematics) and astronomy over the centuries. According to the rumor, it was believed that the minds of the students who entered the madrasah by touching the chain on its portal would be opened and their foresight would increase in the path of knowledge. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Located in Zincirli District, Aksaray city center, the madrasah is at an altitude of approximately 975 meters. There are cut stone porticoes in the courtyard of the building, which was built in the Seljuk madrasa typology with four iwans, an open courtyard and a single storey. The light yellow colored Aksaray tuff stone used ensures that the structure displays a noble stance that shines under the Central Anatolian steppe sun. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the madrasa and its cultural center is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week between 08:30 - 18:00.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Historical stone arches and iwans should not be damaged. Thanks to the entrance ramp, it is wheelchair and stroller accessible.•Facilities and Facilities:Cultural exhibition halls, library and reading rooms, recreation garden, WC and cafe facilities are available in the city center. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Zincirli District, Behind Bankalar Caddesi, Merkez / Aksaray.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is a 5-minute walk from Aksaray Square and the Ulu Mosque; All roads within the city are asphalt.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): All city minibuses and public buses departing from Aksaray center pass through the Government Square or Bankalar Street stop; You can reach the madrasa by walking 200 meters from the stop.•Parking Availability:The surrounding municipality indoor car park and on-street paid parking spots can be used. Featured Architectural Works & Culture Tips (Chapter 5 Adaptation According to the Spirit of the Place)•Featured Rare Works:The muqarnas monumental portal, which is the pinnacle of 14th century Seljuk-Karamanoğlu stonemasonry, the open courtyard pool with portico and the domed main iwan should definitely be examined.•Photography and Framing Suggestion:Afternoon sun shots that frame the geometric interlockings of the portal and symmetrical compositions looking at the main iwan from the inner courtyard portico arches give extraordinary photographs.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After visiting the madrasa, it is recommended to taste local Aksaray pan, tahini pita and tandoori buns in the bazaar.