Gevher Nesibe Medical Complex: A timeless landmark of Seljuk medicine and love

The Gevher Nesibe Darussifasi (Medical Complex) and Giyasiya Madrasa in Kayseri, which began with a love story, now attract visitors with their historical significance and medical heritage, featuring a hospital and museum.

A historic landmark linked to love, tragedy

The madrasa, named after Gevher Nesibe Sultan, the daughter of Seljuk ruler Kilicarslan II and sister of Giyaseddin Keyhusrev I, offers visitors a chance to step back in time. Gevher Nesibe, who tragically fell ill and died after being unable to marry her beloved chief palace knight, is remembered through this madrasa and its unique history.

This historical darussifa (medical complex) was built in accordance with her will, incorporating music therapy in its healing methods. The site continues to capture the attention of visitors, showcasing the era’s fascinating approach to health and medicine.

A museum that exhibits Seljuk medicine and pharmacy

Used as a museum today, the madrasa displays medical instruments and pharmacy tools from the Seljuk period. Visitors can also explore the traditional medical practices of the time, which have been preserved and are explained in detail within the exhibition.

One of world’s first medical centers

Fehmi Gunduz, director of the Tourism Department at Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized that the madrasa and darussifa built during the Seljuk period are among the world’s first medical centers. He explained that the building was constructed in 1205-1206 by Sultan I. Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev in memory of his sister, Gevher Nesibe Sultan.

Gunduz highlighted the significance of the structure, which includes a madrasa that provided medical education, a darussifa for practical student training, and facilities dedicated to treating mental illness, as well as a hammam and mosque.

Healing wounds of heart and sword

Gunduz also shared an intriguing part of the madrasa’s origin story:

“Gevher Nesibe Sultan fell in love with the chief palace knight. When her brother, Giyaseddin Keyhusrev, learned of this, he sent the knight to war. The knight returned severely wounded and, according to legend, died in Gevher Nesibe’s arms.”

“This tragedy caused Gevher Nesibe to fall ill. She left a will asking for the creation of this hospital to heal both physical and emotional wounds. This is the historical context of the darussifa’s establishment.”

The madrasa continued to serve as a center for medical education until 1890, with students receiving training in the adjacent darussifa under the guidance of their instructors.

A visit from Turkish health minister

The museum attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually. On March 21, Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu visited Kayseri and toured the Gevher Nesibe Darussifasi and Giyasiya Madrasa. Gunduz shared that the minister was particularly impressed with the madrasa’s role in medical education and its historical significance in mental health treatment.

“In the 13th century, while European mental hospitals used brutal treatments, in Kayseri, patients were treated with music in designated areas,” Gunduz explained.

“Minister Memisoglu, with his academic background in medicine, was particularly impressed by the Seljuk architecture and the museum’s collection.”

Before leaving, the minister was gifted a catalog of the Seljuk Civilization Museum (Gevher Nesibe Medical History Museum) as a memento of his visit.