Abstract
Islam has been, since the beginning of its existence, strongly connected with education. Its vision of a universal order dealing with all aspects of human life demanded an elaborate educational system, producing experts in the fields of theology and law.
Madrasas were the architectural expression of this system. Anatolian madrasas from the period between the 12th and 15th centuries represent one of the oldest and best preserved groups of this architectural type.
Their style was partly based on the previous local architectural tradition, but it was also strongly influenced by eastern and western traditions (especially Byzantine and Persian traditions). The combination of different sources of inspiration resulted in a very specific style.
This article uses a few examples in order to describe how this type of building developed during the period of interest.