--- title: Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa slug: cacabey-and-gokbilim-madrasa-62534 url: /detay/cacabey-and-gokbilim-madrasa-62534 type: article language: English entity: primary: Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa type: article disambiguation: Explore the 13th-century Cacabey & Gökbilim Madrasa in Kırşehir, Turkey – a unique Seljuk-era astronomy school & mosque. categories: - name: Astronomy slug: astronomi url: /kategori/astronomi - name: General Knowledge slug: genel-kultur url: /kategori/genel-kultur - name: History slug: tarih url: /kategori/tarih tags: - Observation Tower - Cacabey Madrasa - Seljuk Architecture - Restoration - Astronomy author: Sümeyye Akkanat Terzioğlu created_at: 2025-05-31T10:47:13.318891+03:00 updated_at: 2025-06-14T00:34:47.441945+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/31/qsMe5eMtxeIDPeTc0u0uXFabTIHW8ee9.webp --- # Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa ## KURE Information Cards ### KURE Information Card: Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa ![KNxCuNQ4RHK8gQE0vIm7lIpXYx9dpFc3.webp](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/31/Nzd4N4RPoaMghlcljLznEmRARKo0rDxS.webp) | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Period(s) | Anatolian Seljuk State | | Construction Date(s)(Text) | 1272–1273 (AH 671) | | Founder(s) | Nureddin Cibril bin Caca (Cacabey) | | Relevant Scientific Fields | History of Astronomy, Islamic Madrasa Architecture | | Current Function | Mosque and cultural heritage structure | | Original Function | Astronomy and Islamic sciences education | | Notable Features | Vaulted door, observation tower, geometric and floral decorations | | Building Material | Cut stone | | Architectural Plan | Four-iwan, courtyard plan; integrated observation tower | | Building Type | Madrasa (currently also used as a mosque) | | Location | Kırşehir,Turkey | ## Article Content **The Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa** is a structure built during the [Anatolian Seljuk State](/en/detay/selcuklular/llms.txt) period, designed for education in the field of astronomy. The building is located in the present-day center of Kırşehir, Turkey. Its architectural features, purpose of construction, and historical context reflect the 13th-century Seljuk approach to science and education. Over time, the building has also gained the function of a mosque, and following restoration works, it is preserved as a structure that holds both religious and cultural heritage value. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/29/a0BrucxxUDSN2OSbed7mSIvDdAhrAHsX.jpg) *Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa (AA)* ### **Foundation and Historical Context** The madrasa was commissioned by the Emir of Kırşehir, Nureddin Cibril bin Caca (Cacabey), during the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan II. Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev (reign: 1237–1246) in 1272–1273 (AH 671). The emir’s name was given to the structure, and it has been referred to as the [Cacabey Madrasa](/en/detay/caca-bey-medresesi/llms.txt) in historical sources. This period marked a time when Seljuk beys in Anatolia supported scientific endeavors, and educational institutions were established where astronomy, mathematics, and religious sciences were taught together. The construction of this madrasa by Cacabey is directly related to the scientific and political atmosphere of the time. ### **Architectural Structure** #### **General Plan and Building Material** The madrasa follows the common plan type of the Seljuk period, featuring a courtyard and four iwans. The exterior of the building is made of cut stone, with the entrance façade showcasing distinct examples of stone craftsmanship. The main entrance is marked by a high vaulted door, adorned with kufic inscriptions and geometric motifs. #### **Vaulted Door and Decorative Elements** The vaulted door serves as the central decorative feature of the building. This protruding door is surrounded by muqarnas niches. The decorations include prominent motifs of Seljuk stone carving art, such as palmettes, arabesques, and interlacing patterns. Above the door, there is an inscription detailing the construction date and the name of the benefactor. #### **Courtyard and Spatial Arrangement** At the center of the madrasa lies a rectangular open courtyard, surrounded by arcades. Behind these arcades are the student rooms (cells) and classrooms. One of the iwans located on each side of the courtyard is larger and is considered to have been used as the main classroom. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/29/ma1VsIV1bAuh8VXfyQNEk5sbffTm2SQ3.jpg) *Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa (AA)* ### **Observation Tower** A cylindrical tower is located at the northwest corner of the madrasa. This tower, integrated into the structure, features openings at its upper section for observation purposes. It is the most significant architectural element that indicates the madrasa was designed in connection with astronomy. The interior of the observation tower is arranged to track the angles of sunlight and the positions of celestial bodies. ### **Astronomical Function and Educational Activities** The [Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa](/en/detay/cacabey-ve-gokbilim-medresesi-2581b/llms.txt) is directly linked to the astronomical education that held an important place in the scientific understanding of the Seljuk period. Elements designed for astronomical observation are integrated into the building’s plan. The observation tower, window placements, and light openings are all arranged to serve this purpose. It is believed that, alongside astronomy, classical Islamic sciences were also taught at the madrasa, with mixed educational programs being implemented in this context. Observational methods were employed for timekeeping, calendar calculations, and determining the direction of the qibla (the direction of prayer). ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/29/DAFyU7n0SOnsjfalFLJjc8OAHGzJShKM.jpg) *Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa (AA)* ### **Transformation Process and Conversion into a Mosque** During the Ottoman period, the madrasa largely lost its educational function and began to be used for religious purposes. During this process, elements such as a mihrab, minbar, and pulpit were added to the interior, and the structure gained the status of a mosque. This transformation is in line with similar examples observed in many [madrasas](/en/detay/gok-medrese-f42b2/llms.txt) from the Seljuk period. ### **Restoration and Current Condition** Over time, the Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa has undergone various forms of damage, and some of its original architectural elements have deteriorated. In 2020, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism initiated a restoration process, which was completed in 2023. The restoration included: - Cleaning and strengthening of the stone façade. - Structural reinforcement of the observation tower. - Renewal of the courtyard pavement with local stone tiles, restored to its original form. - Preservation of decorative elements using conservation techniques in line with the original examples. Following the restoration, the structure has been opened for both worship and cultural visits, continuing to be preserved as one of Turkey's important historical scientific buildings. ### **Cultural and Scientific Significance** The Cacabey and Gökbilim Madrasa is one of the few structures in Anatolia built specifically for astronomical purposes and for education in this field. The building reflects the scientific thought system of the Seljuk period through its architecture and functional integrity. Elements such as the observation tower contribute to its status as one of the rare examples of madrasas constructed with an astronomical focus. Its architectural details, stone craftsmanship, and functional planning offer significant potential for in-depth study in the fields of the history of science, architectural history, and cultural heritage. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Anadolu Ajansı. “750 Yıllık Gök Bilim Medresesinin Restorasyonu 3 Yılda Tamamlanacak.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur-sanat/750-yillik-gok-bilim-medresesinin-restorasyonu-3-yilda-tamamlanacak/1917143.Anadolu Ajansı. “Kırşehir’de Restorasyonu Tamamlanan Tarihi Cacabey Camisi Yarın Açılacak.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur/kirsehirde-restorasyonu-tamamlanan-tarihi-cacabey-camisi-yarin-acilacak/2796679.Aslan, Yunus. "Kırşehir Cacabey Medresesi ve Türbesi’nde Taş Süsleme Unsurları." Selçuk University, Institute of Social Sciences. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://www.kalemisidergisi.com/makale/pdf/1640184361.pdfMinistry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. “Cacabey Medresesi.” Kültür Portalı. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/kirsehir/gezilecekyer/cacabey-medreses.Türkiye Diyanet Foundation. “Caca Bey Medresesi.” İslam Ansiklopedisi. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/caca-bey-medresesi.Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye.  “Cacabey ve Gökbilim Medresesi.” Kırşehir İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://kirsehir.ktb.gov.tr/TR-195632/cacabey-ve-gokbilim-medresesi.html.Kırşehir Governship. “Cacabey Medresesi.” Kırşehir Governship. Accessed May 29, 2025. http://www.kirsehir.gov.tr/cacabey-medresesi.TRT Arşiv. “Cacabey Gökbilimleri Medresesi.” TRT Arşiv Youtube Channel. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEW-DR6ns0Y.Sayılı, Aydın. “Bir Cacabey Medresesi Kitabesi”. BELLETEN 29, no. 113 (January 1965): 71-72. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/ttkbelleten/issue/73422/1204571.