Rüstem Pasha Medrese

#35 among destinations in Turkey

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the historic heart of Istanbul, the Rüstem Pasha Medrese is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Ottoman Empire. This educational institution, founded in 1550 by Rüstem Pasha, the Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, is renowned for its exquisite design and intricate tilework.

The medrese, or Islamic college, was designed by the celebrated imperial architect Mimar Sinan, whose work defined the skyline of the Ottoman capital. The Rüstem Pasha Medrese is particularly famous for its use of Iznik tiles, which adorn the walls in a stunning array of floral and geometric patterns. These tiles represent the zenith of Ottoman ceramic art and contribute to the medrese's status as an architectural gem.

The building's layout is characteristic of Ottoman medrese design, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by student cells and a mosque for prayer and contemplation. The medrese was an important center for learning, with a curriculum that included religious studies, philosophy, astronomy, and mathematics.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 41°0'47"N, 28°58'21"E

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IstanbulTurkey

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Day trips

Rüstem Pasha Medrese – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, New Mosque, Nallı Masjid.

~1310 ftSW
Shopping, Shopping centre
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
7 min walk • The Grand Bazaar, nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. A labyrinth of history and commerce, this shopping centre spans 61 covered streets and accommodates over 4,000 shops, attracting between 250,000...
~1180 ftN
Historic covered spice and textiles market
Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a vibrant shopping center that serves as a treasure trove of flavors, scents, and colors. Established in the 17th century, it has been the go-to destination for those seeking...
~1330 ftN
Iconic, landmark 17th-century mosque
New Mosque, Istanbul
7 min walk • The New Mosque, also known as the Yeni Camii, graces the skyline of Istanbul with its majestic architecture and is a testament to the city's rich Ottoman history. This grand mosque, completed in 1665, is situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn and serves as a...
~890 ftE
Mosque
Nallı Masjid
5 min walk • Nallı Masjid, a hidden gem tucked away in the historic streets of Konya, Turkey, is a testament to the rich architectural legacy of the Ottoman Empire. This mosque, less known compared to the grandeur of Istanbul's famous Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, carries its...
~1190 ftSW
Large, 18th-century Ottoman mosque
Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Istanbul
6 min walk • Nuruosmaniye Mosque stands as a magnificent piece of architecture in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, embodying a blend of Islamic and Baroque styles. Erected between 1748 and 1755 during the reign of Sultan Osman III, this mosque is not only a site of religious...
~610 ftW
Shopping, Shopping centre, Market
Mahmutpasha Bazaar, Istanbul
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, the Mahmutpasha Bazaar stands as a bustling emblem of traditional Turkish commerce. This historic shopping haven, located between the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Market, is a labyrinthine street filled with a vibrant array of...
~780 ftS
Mosque
Mahmut Pasha Mosque
4 min walk • Nestled in the historic heart of Istanbul's Eminönü district, the Mahmut Pasha Mosque stands as a testament to the city's rich Ottoman heritage. Built between 1463 and 1470, during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, this mosque was commissioned by Grand Vizier Mahmut...
~1120 ftN
Tomb
Tomb of Turhan Sultan
6 min walk • Nestled in the historic city of Istanbul, the Tomb of Turhan Sultan is an often-overlooked gem of Ottoman architecture and history. This resting place of a powerful woman from the Ottoman era is situated near the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the sprawling complex of...
~1100 ftW
Caravanserai
Büyük Valide Han
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Istanbul's bustling Eminönü district, the Büyük Valide Han is a historical gem that offers a glimpse into the Ottoman Empire's commercial past. This expansive caravanserai, constructed in the mid-17th century, was built by Kösem Sultan, the...
~1810 ftSE
Palace
Procession Kiosk, Istanbul
9 min walk • The Procession Kiosk is a 16th-century historical building on the outer walls of the Gülhane Park next to Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It was used by the Ottoman sultans to receive the salute of processing janissary as well as a pleasure locale. The building is situated across the Sublime Porte.
~740 ftSW
Baths
Mahmut Pasha Hamam
4 min walk • The Mahmut Pasha Hamam, nestled in the historic heart of Istanbul, Turkey, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Ottoman-era architecture and the cultural significance of Turkish baths. Constructed in 1466 under the commission of Grand Vizier Mahmut Pasha, the...

Rüstem Pasha Medrese

Facts and practical information

Rüstem Pasha Medrese plan & book

Rüstem Pasha Medrese – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)