The Gök Medrese Camii (Blue Seminary Mosque), erected in 1266 under the Anatolian Seljuk governor Torumtay, is among the most architecturally distinguished Seljuk monuments in the Pontic region of Turkey. The building served simultaneously as a mosque and madrasa (Islamic theological school), a dual function reflected in its floor plan: the prayer hall faces Mecca to the southeast, while madrasa cells for students line the north courtyard. The name 'Gök' (meaning 'sky' or 'blue' in Turkish) refers to the blue-glazed faience tiles that once decorated the twin minarets flanking the main facade; many of the original tiles have been lost, but fragments survive in situ and in the Amasya Museum collection. The portal, the building's most celebrated feature, is executed in the elaborate Seljuk muqarnas (stalactite vaulting) style, with interlocking geometric stone carving reaching a height of approximately 8 metres—a level of craftsmanship equalling the finest Seljuk portals of Konya and Sivas. An Arabic inscription band running the full width of the portal records the construction date, patron, and builder. Inside, the single-domed prayer hall retains traces of original plasterwork. The complex has been returned to use as an active mosque after a period as a museum. The adjacent Torumtay Türbesi, the mausoleum of the monument's patron, stands immediately to the south and can be visited in the same excursion.
Why it matters
The Gök Medrese Camii (1266) is one of the finest surviving examples of Anatolian Seljuk religious architecture in northern Turkey, notable for its monumental muqarnas portal and its original blue faience tile minarets, which give the building its name.
Location
Atatürk Cad., 05100 Amasya, Turkey
40.6538, 35.8340 View on map
Highlights
- Monumental Seljuk muqarnas portal (1266) with 8-metre carved stone stalactite vaulting
- Original blue glazed faience tile fragments surviving on the twin minaret bases
- Dual mosque-and-madrasa floor plan intact, illustrating 13th-century Seljuk educational architecture
- Adjacent Torumtay Türbesi (mausoleum of the patron) accessible in the same visit
Tips for visiting
- The best photography of the portal is in the morning when the carved stone is lit from the east; afternoon light deepens the shadows of the muqarnas
- The Torumtay Türbesi stands immediately adjacent—allow an extra 10 minutes to visit both in the same stop
- Look for the original blue tile fragments at the base of the minarets, which survive better on the sheltered inner faces
- Standard mosque etiquette applies; remove shoes before entering the prayer hall
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gök Medrese an active mosque or a museum?
The Gök Medrese functions as an active mosque. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times; the portal and courtyard can be viewed at any time of day.
Is there English-language information at the site?
A bilingual information plaque is mounted near the portal. For deeper context, the Amasya Museum (a 5-minute walk) houses faience tile fragments from the minarets with accompanying descriptions.
How long does a visit take?
The Gök Medrese and Torumtay Türbesi together require 20–30 minutes. They form a natural pairing and can be combined with the Bimarhane (a further 5-minute walk) in a 1-hour Seljuk heritage walk.