Çifte Minareli Medrese, Erzurum: Twin Minarets on the Hig...

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: The Çifte Minareli Medrese is a breathtaking 13th-century Islamic theological school in Erzurum , Türkiye , renowned for its magnificent twin minarets and impossibly intricate stone portal. It is absolutely worth visiting as the architectural crown jewel of Eastern Anatolia, a masterpiece of Seljuk Erzurum , and a gateway to the region's profound history, stark landscapes, and unique culture. Fact Detail Location City of Erzurum , Erzurum Province, Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye Period / Type Late 13th-century Anatolian Seljuk / Ilkhanid Madrasa (theological school) What It Is An iconic medieval Islamic college, famed for its monumental portal and twin minarets. UNESCO Status On the UNESCO Tentative List as part of the 'Anatolian Seljuk Madrasas'. Entry Entry is typically free or requires a very small fee. Last checked September 2026 , please confirm locally. Typical Visit Length 30-60 minutes for the medrese; 3-4 hours to explore the surrounding historic core on foot. Nearest Airport Erzurum Airport (ERZ) , about 12 km from the city centre. Driving from Ankara Approximately 880 km, a 10-11 hour drive. Best Months May-September for pleasant weather; December-April for world-class skiing. What Is the Çifte Minareli Medrese in Erzurum? The Çifte Minareli Medrese , whose name translates to the "Twin Minaret Madrasa," is the enduring symbol of Erzurum and a triumph of medieval Anatolian architecture. Standing proudly on the high plateau of Eastern Turkey , this structure was built in the late 13th century , a turbulent period when the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate was under the influence of the Mongol Ilkhanids. While it functioned as a medrese , or Islamic theological school, its sheer scale and decorative ambition sug