Süleyman-Pascha-Medrese: Älteste erhaltene osmanische Hochschule & Fliesenbasar

It is located in the Beyler neighborhood of İznik, just 250 meters (a 3-minute walk) northeast of Iznik Hagia Sophia.

It was erected around 1332 AD by Prince Gazi Süleyman Pasha, the eldest son of Sultan Orhan Gazi and the legendary Conqueror of Rumelia.

It is the earliest surviving Ottoman madrasa with an open U-shaped courtyard plan, serving as the evolutionary prototype for all subsequent imperial colleges.

No, entrance to the courtyard and artisan workshops is completely free.

It is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 in summer, and until 18:00 during the winter season.

It operates as the Iznik Tile Handicraft Center, housing active ateliers where master ceramists produce, display, and sell authentic handmade quartz tiles.

Yes, you can purchase authentic handmade quartz tiles, plates, and vases directly from master artists with artist signatures and quality certificates.

Yes, visitors can frequently watch live demonstrations of wheel-throwing and underglaze hand-painting inside the cells.

There are 11 domed student cells lining the courtyard, alongside a larger monumental main lecture hall.

Prince Süleyman Pasha was Orhan Gazi's eldest son who captured the fortress of Çimpe, establishing the first permanent Ottoman territorial foothold in mainland Europe.

Yes, photography of the historic courtyard and tile displays is welcome.

Yes, street parking and municipal parking areas are available within 100 meters.

Yes, the ground-level open courtyard has no significant steps, allowing smooth access for wheelchairs and strollers.

Exploring the courtyard, photographing the arches, and visiting the tile workshops takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

It is only 250 meters away, an easy 3-minute stroll through the historical center.