Şifaiye Madrasa, located in Sivas city square, is the largest medical structure from the Anatolian Seljuk era, built in 1217 by Sultan Kaykaus I as a hospital; admission is free.
The inscription on Şifaiye Madrasa is clear: in 1217, Seljuk Sultan Kaykaus I commissioned this building as a şifahane, or hospital. It is the largest surviving medical complex from the Anatolian Seljuk era. Measuring 48x68 meters, it features a rectangular plan with four iwans surrounded by arcades, flanked by 30 rooms. It was converted into a madrasa in 1768 and temporarily served as a warehouse during World War I.
Two animal figures catch the eye on the spandrels of the portal's arch: a lion on the right symbolizing power, and a bull on the left symbolizing health. Sun and moon motifs are carved on either side of the main iwan; one features a female head with braided hair alongside the inscription "Sûret-i Kamer" (Figure of the Moon), while the other displays a male head with "Sûret-i Şems" (Figure of the Sun). Following Kaykaus's death, one of the side iwans was converted into his mausoleum, entombing the sultan inside the hospital he founded.
Today, visitors can enjoy tea in the courtyard and browse small souvenir shops. Most visitors praise the historic atmosphere, describing it as steeped in history. However, reviews regarding cafe service are mixed. Right upon entering, you are greeted by the central courtyard pool and exquisite stonework; photography enthusiasts will find the grand portal and iwan facades to be the best spots for photos.
What is Şifaiye Madrasa?
The inscription leaves no room for doubt: built in 1217 by Seljuk Sultan Kaykaus I, this is the largest medical structure surviving from the Seljuk period in Anatolia. It was converted into a madrasa in 1768 and temporarily served as a warehouse during WWI. Today, alongside the Twin Minaret Madrasa, it stands as a symbol of Sivas's Seljuk heritage and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
The Grand Portal and Symbolism
To the right of the main iwan, a braided woman's head inside a moon symbol is surrounded by the inscription of the Shahada; to the left, a man's head appears inside a sun motif. These two panels are known as "Sûret-i Kamer" (Figure of the Moon) and "Sûret-i Şems" (Figure of the Sun). Tile work and stylized double-headed eagle motifs are among the building's other notable features. The best time for photography is the afternoon when light hits the portal from the side.
When to Visit?
Since the building features an open courtyard, it can be hot and unshaded in summer, while Sivas's cold winter climate can make courtyard visits uncomfortable. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. Visiting in the afternoon is ideal both to avoid peak heat and to appreciate the intricate stonework bathed in sunlight.
How to Get There?
The madrasa is located in Sivas city square, directly opposite the Twin Minaret Madrasa. Being in the city center, visitors arriving by car can park nearby, while those using public transit can reach it with a short walk from central bus stops. Since the Governor's Office Building (City Museum) and other Seljuk madrasas are on the same square, you can easily explore them all on a single walking tour.
How Much Time to Spend?
Exploring the building takes about 30-45 minutes. If you wish to sit and enjoy a cup of tea in the courtyard, allow up to an hour. If you are planning a one-day trip to Sivas, you can combine Şifaiye Madrasa with the Twin Minaret Madrasa and other city center Seljuk landmarks on a single walking route.
Things to Keep in Mind
The cafe and souvenir shops inside the courtyard are privately operated. Reviews regarding service quality are mixed—some visitors are satisfied, while others express dissatisfaction with their orders. It is advisable to observe the service before ordering. Additionally, the structure may be closed at certain hours, so it is a good idea to verify opening times before visiting, especially on special holidays.
What is Around It?
The city square surrounding Şifaiye Madrasa is the heart of Sivas's Seljuk heritage. Nearby attractions include the Twin Minaret Madrasa right opposite, Kale Mosque, and the former Governor's Office building now serving as the City Museum. You can easily visit multiple historic landmarks in quick succession on a short walk around the square.
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