This sublime old-town complex was built between 1517 and 1525 by a leading master of classical Ottoman architecture, Acem Ali, though internal structures were built and rebuilt in following centuries.
Behind the 1492 Kurşunlu Mosque with its kurşunlu (leaden) dome, the medrese houses the Museum of Meerschaum , which pays homage to the region's weird and wonderful white rock, in its artistically-crafted form. There are some particularly elaborate pipes on display and a handicrafts bazaar.
Next to the medrese, the four-domed tabhane (guesthouse) may also have been a harem. The vaulted imaret (almshouse) and adjacent, domed aşevi (kitchen), which respectively house glassblowing and jewellery studios, were the culinary quarters. The dining hall, kitchen and alcoved oven partly remain. The Ottoman caravansarai , built after 1529, is a cultural centre used for weddings.
