Karamanoğulları-Osmanlı Siyasi ve Kültürel İlişkileri: Niğde Ak Medrese

Abstract

Located at Niğde, White Madrasa is a building which was built in the era of Principality of Karaman. The Madrasa was built outside the walls of the Keep within the historical texture of the city. In some sources, it is referred to as “Medresetü’l Beyza” and “Ak Medrese”. This name was given based on the whiteness of the marble around its gate. The structure is referred to as Ali Bey Madrasa in some sources in reference to its constructor. The building has its construction inscription and deed. The constructor of the building is specified on the inscription and deed. The constructor of the building is Ali Bey, the younger son of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigar’s daughter Nefise Sultan/Melek Hatun and Karamanoğlu Alâeddin Ali Bey. Ali Bey is the brother of Karamanoğlu Ruler Mehmet Bey and he is the ruler of Niğde. The Madrasa was built in 1409-1410 while Ali Bey was the Ruler of Niğde under his brother’s command. Niğde White Madrasa is a two-storey building with an open courtyard and two iwans. The building has a symmetric arrangement in 22.50 X 24.00 metre dimensions. North/front façade is the most dynamic part of the building and where the decoration is the most intense. Double storey scheme of the madrasa is reflected to the structure of front façade. Organized in two storeys, stalactite intrados crown gate and an organization with gallery on top level are seen in the axis. The crown gate in the axis of the façade and top level galleries placed on both sides of the gate constitute the front/entrance façade. The entrance is emphasized by keeping the front gate protruded and higher than the main walls. Crown gate of the madrasa with a pointed arch, the gallery on the northern façade and rich decoration elements are the manifestation of an innovative perception at the time.

Keywords: Karamanoğulları, Niğde, Ali Bey, White Madrasa, İnteraction.