Restoration of Gökdere Madrasa and Gökdere Arts and Cultural Center

Transformation of a 15th-Century Madrasa into a Cultural and Arts Center Through Restoration and Adaptive Reuse

Project Information

• Project: Restoration of Gökdere (Paşa Çelebi) Madrasa and Conversion into a Culture and Arts Center

• Location: Kayhan Neighborhood, Kayhan Street, Bursa, Türkiye

• Implementing Authority: Osmangazi Municipality

• Construction Period: Mid-15th Century

• Architectural Typology: Open-Courtyard Madrasa (12 Rooms and a Main Iwan Classroom)

• Current Function: Culture and Arts Center

About the Project

Gökdere Madrasa is located in the city center of Bursa, along Kayhan Street, which forms a continuation of the historic Okçular Bazaar. Also known as Paşa Çelebi Madrasa, the structure was commissioned in the mid-15th century by Paşa Çelebi, a philanthropist and intellectual of the period.

Architecturally classified as an open-courtyard madrasa, the building consists of 12 rooms (student cells) and a large classroom situated within the main iwan (a vaulted hall opening onto the courtyard).

The madrasa served as an educational institution for many years. According to its original endowment deed (waqfiyya), individuals appointed as trustees of the foundation were required to have studied and received their education at the madrasa.

Over time, the building gradually fell into obscurity and was almost entirely forgotten. In 2006, it underwent restoration and was reintegrated into the city's cultural and social life.

Adaptive Reuse: Culture and Arts Center

Following its restoration, the historic building was reopened as the Gökdere Culture and Arts Center, providing a multifunctional venue for cultural, educational, and social activities.

The center hosts a wide range of events and programs, including:

• Sufi Culture, Arts, and Turkish Folk Music Classes: Educational programs focusing on traditional music, artistic practices, and Sufi cultural heritage.

• Talks, Concerts, and Musical Performances: Cultural discussions, live concerts, and musical recitals.

• Courses and Workshops: Educational and creative activities designed for different age groups and interests.

• Private and Social Events: Meetings, engagement ceremonies, traditional henna-night celebrations, and other special gatherings.

Through this transformation, Gökdere Madrasa continues its original educational mission in a contemporary form, focusing on cultural and artistic learning.

At the same time, the building has evolved into a versatile cultural venue, contributing to the preservation of Bursa's architectural heritage while enriching the city's contemporary cultural and social life.