CITY OF LEARNING
During these early centuries of Turkish rule, both Sivas and Divrigi became major centres of scholarship and art.
Throughout the 13th century, Sivas ranked second only to Konya, with its mosques and medreses (colleges), and institutions funded by rich endowments. Some of the Seljuk sultans made the city their capital. The historic monuments in Sivas today reflect the city's former importance and splendour. The Medical College founded in 1217 by Sultan Izzeddin Keykâvus was the largest such institution in Seljuk Turkey. In this building, with its great portal, inner courtyard and iwan (arched alcoves), physicians both treated patients and instructed students.
Opposite the Medical College are the remaining structures of Çifte Minareli Medrese, the imposing portal with its marvellous stone carving and pair of minarets with tile decoration. Further along the same street you notice the graceful sandstone portal of Buruciye Medrese, built by the renowned Seljuk architect Kâluyan of Konya.