Zinciriye Medresesi

Zinciriye Medresesi, built in 1385 by Artuklu Sultan Necmettin İsa in Mardin, is a historical structure that has served over different periods as an educational institution, dormitory and public building.

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The medrese is situated on a rectangular area oriented east-west. The two-story building comprises an open courtyard, arcaded galleries, a mosque, a tomb and student cells. The eastern entrance gate is more richly decorated and possesses a monumental character. Beyond the entrance lies a hall covered by a star-shaped vault. From this section one enters the courtyard to the west.

On the western side of the courtyard is a small mosque. Adjacent to the mosque is a rectangular tomb with a mihrab niche. On the upper floor, small vaulted cells arranged in a row were designated for student use. Stonemasonry is prominent in the structure, while decorative elements are limited and restrained. Additionally, two cylindrical towers with domed roofs are located at the eastern and western ends. Although their exact function is not fully known, they are believed to have been used for observation or defense.

Following the Ottoman period, Zinciriye Medresesi lost its function as an educational institution. In the 1930s it was transferred from the Ministry of Endowments to the Ministry of National Education but was not used for educational purposes. Subsequently, the building was allocated to the Turkish Hearths but was not effectively utilized. At one point it was rented to the military and later functioned as a student dormitory. In the second half of the 20th century, due to its cultural and touristic value, it was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and opened to the public. These changes in usage reflect the functional transformations the building underwent across different periods.