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The small village of Taşkınpaşa is worth a quick stop to see its magnificent madrasa and mosque. It’s located about 20 kilometers south of Ürgüp in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Taşkınpaşa Madrasa
First, on the side of the main road running through the village is the Taşkınpaşa Madrasa (Taşkınpaşa Medresesi). It was built by the Karamanids. The construction date is unknown but it’s estimated to have been completed in the middle of the 14th century.
The most impressive part of the madrasa is the portal, which is decorated with geometric and floral patterns. Most of the madrasa collapsed over the centuries. It was rebuilt and functions today as a public library.
Taşkınpaşa Mosque
In the heart of town is the Taşkınpaşa Mosque (Taşkınpaşa Camii). A panel on the building indicates it was completed in 1350.
The portal, mihrab, and windows were made of cut stone while the rest of the building was built with rough stones. Unfortunately, the imam wasn’t around to open the mosque so we were unable to enter. The original mihrab was made of walnut and is now on display in the Ethnography Museum of Ankara.
Tomb of Hızır Bey
In the courtyard of the mosque is an open tomb belonging to Hızır Bey. It’s believed to have been built between 1350 and 1355 based on the dates of the sarcophagi. The tomb is a hexagonal structure featuring six pillars and is topped by a pyramidal cone.
Three marble sarcophagi sit under the dome. They belong to Hızır Bey, his son İlyas Bey, and most likely his grandson Hasan Bey.
Kümbet
Next to the mosque to the east is a Seljuk-style tomb called a kümbet. It’s a two-story structure made of cut stone. The entrance portal is decorated with geometric patterns.
The first floor of the kümbet has a square plan and a staircase leading down to the burial chamber. Inside the burial chamber is a large sarcophagus. The occupant is unknown but it may belong to Taşkın Pasha.
