Mahperi Hunat Hatun was a Byzantine princess who converted to Islam upon her marriage to the Seljuk Sultan.
The madrasa is part of the first monumental külliye complex ever built by a woman in the Anatolian Seljuk state.
The entrance portal features stone carvings that represent the geometric and calligraphic aesthetics of the 13th century.
The complex was constructed entirely from local sille stone, a type of volcanic rock.
The tomb within the complex contains two cenotaphs, one belonging to Hunat Hatun and the other to a member of her family.
The building was repurposed in modern times to serve as a hub for local artisans, preserving traditional crafts like carpet weaving.
The madrasa’s open-courtyard design was optimized for the high-altitude climate of the Central Anatolian plateau.
The Hunat Madrasa is a 13th-century Seljuk complex commissioned in 1238 by Mahperi Hunat Hatun, the wife of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. It forms part of a larger külliye that includes a mosque, a tomb, and a bathhouse. The structure is built from cut volcanic stone, typical of the Kayseri region. Its architecture features an open-courtyard design with a decorative entrance portal characterized by intricate stonework. The site served as a center for religious and scientific education during the Seljuk period. It currently houses a curated selection of traditional Turkish crafts and workshops within its former student cells. The interior layout centers on an arched courtyard with two lateral iwans. The tomb of Hunat Hatun, located within the complex, showcases octagonal geometry and conical roofing.
The main entrance portal from the street side provides the best framing for architectural photography.
Look closely at the stone carvings on the main portal to identify the motifs of rosettes and geometric patterns.
Visit the adjacent shops within the cells to observe local artisans practicing traditional Turkish handicrafts.
Ensure you view the tomb of Hunat Hatun, which is located in the same courtyard complex.
Do not mistake the modern commercial shops surrounding the complex for the historical madrasa interior.
Modest dress is required as the complex includes a functional mosque; remove footwear before entering the prayer areas.
