The Sultan Bayezid Complex and Health Museum, located on the shores of the Tunca River in Edirne, was commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II and built by the renowned architect Hayreddin. The complex spans 22,000 square meters and features a mosque, a medical madrasah, a cultivation area, a hospital (darussifa), a Turkish bath, a library, a kitchen, stores, and other sections. When visiting the complex, one is struck by the mystical atmosphere created by the interplay between its various buildings.
DARUSSIFA (HOSPITAL)
The Darussifa, or hospital, was the main focus of the Sultan Bayezid II Complex. Over time, other structures were added, such as the Tabhane (Guest and Resting Place), a medical faculty, a mosque, an Imaret (kitchen, refectory, store), a Turkish bath, a cistern, a primary school (sıbyan mektebi in Turkish), and a Rolling Mill. The Darussifa itself was comprised of three main sections: the first containing polyclinics, a special diet kitchen, and personnel rooms; the second housing a drug warehouse used by senior personnel; and the third with bedrooms for six people and a musical theater. The theater hosted music concerts three days a week, and according to historian Evliya Çelebi, the music and scent of special flowers were used to treat patients spiritually. The hospital staff included a chief surgeon, physician, ophthalmologist, operator, and pharmacist.
In 1997, the Bayezid II Health Complex was renovated by Trakya University and transformed into a museum with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Mental Health Disorders Readaptation Association. In 2004, it was awarded the European Museum Prize, making it a highly valued cultural landmark.
The Bayezid II Mosque is a magnificent structure with three entrances leading to a courtyard with dome porches. The arches of these porches are made of bicolor stones and rest on granite and white marble columns. The courtyard are illuminated by stunning windows and feature a beautiful sadırvan pool and well in the center. The dome in the narthex is decorated with lovely cloisters filled with stalactites, while the other two domes are spiral in shape. The mosque, covering 500 square meters, dominates the entire complex. The 20.55-meter diameter dome is supported by an iron ring and features a twenty-cornered hoop.
The tabhanes on either side of the mosque are examples of classic Ottoman art style, with their small dome yards and accompanying minarets, which are 3.25 meters in diameter and 38 meters high with a 55-meter separation. The arcaded sadırvan yard was first introduced in the Beyazid II Mosque.
The mosque also features a special marble mimbar and mihrab, as well as intricate wooden details like door wings, wardrobe lids, and window lids adorned with geometric patterns, rumi designs, hatayi, and various floral figures. These elements represent some of the finest examples of woodworking art.
Visiting Sultan Bayezid Complex and Health Museum in Edirne Turkey is an absolute must for those who appreciate historical and architectural gems. This 22,000 square meter complex is a remarkable example of Ottoman architecture and provides an in-depth look into the history of medicine and healthcare during the Ottoman Empire. Not only does the complex showcase the grandeur of the mosque and Turkish bath, but it also sheds light on the important role that music and the arts played in the healing process. The beautiful mosque is adorned with intricate wooden details and marble accents, making it a true masterpiece of art and architecture.
What makes the Edirne Sultan Bayezid Complex and Health Museum even more special is its unique place in history as one of the earliest hospitals in the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can explore the polyclinics, personnel rooms, and the special diet kitchen, as well as the drug warehouse and bedrooms used by the hospital staff. The musical theater, where concerts were held three times a week to help heal the sick, is also an exceptional feature of the complex.
Edirne Sultan Beyazıt Complex and Health Museum is a treasure trove of history and culture that should not be missed. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique features make it a must-visit for anyone who is interested in Ottoman Empire, medicine, and the arts.
If you’re ready to experience the beauty and history of the Edirne Sultan Bayezid Complex and Health Museum, let Tour Maker Turkey guide you on a journey back in time. Our knowledgeable tour guides will bring the complex to life, sharing its rich history and fascinating stories along the way. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique cultural experience, our tours of Edirne Sultan Bayezid Complex and Health Museum are sure to exceed your expectations. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Ottoman Empire!