Balat Ilyas Bey Kulliyesi. Tarih, Mimari Restorasyon / Balat Ilyas Bey Complex

The important Ionian city known in antiquity as Miletus (Palatia) became part of the Menteshe Emirate in the first half of the 13th century under the name of Balat. The most important of Menteshe period architecture is the mosque complex with a theological school (madrasa) and two public baths or hammams, built immediately after Ilyas Bey returned to the throne in 1402. The mosque and madrasa, built in a broad walled garden, share a common courtyard. In the northwest area of the madrasa are the remains of a structure whose function remains uncertain. Archaeological excavations in 1994 revealed the foundations of rooms belonging to another madrasa which was later added to the complex, extending parallel to the garden wall on the west of the existing madrasa. Two hammams accepted as being part of the original complex are located to the northeast of the madrasa. The present volume presents the recent work done at the complex.