A nearly 900-year-old madrasa has been discovered in the central Turkish city of Kayseri during ongoing urban renewal work. The structure was found south of the city’s historic Grand Mosque, near the tomb of Malik Muhammad Ghazi. The finding was reported on Thursday by the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Kayseri Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç said the city holds traces of various civilizations and has a significant place in the history of Islam in Anatolia.

According to the mayor, the discovery was made while carefully clearing the area, revealing traces of a religious educational structure built in the traditional style. Malik Muhammad Ghazi, a ruler from the Danishmend dynasty, is regarded as the founder of Kayseri and an important figure in early Turkish Islamic history in Anatolia.

Mayor Büyükkılıç added that the search and excavation work will continue and that the municipality plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for restoration efforts.