Çay Taş Madrasa (Yusuf bin Yakub Madrasa)
Built in the late 13th century during the Anatolian Seljuk period, the madrasa is the district's most important historic monument, known for its stonework and tile decoration.
View on map7 places to visit in the Çay district of Afyonkarahisar: Çay Taş Madrasa (Yusuf bin Yakub Madrasa), Eber Lake and Karamık Lake. Plan your trip to Çay with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Çay is a district of Afyonkarahisar province. Located in the Inner Aegean region at the meeting point of the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions, it lies 48 km from the provincial centre. The district covers 803 km² and has an average elevation of 1,038 metres above sea level.
History
Settled by Oghuz Turks during the Seljuk period, the place was renamed ‘Çay Değirmeni’. It was liberated from Greek occupation on 24 September 1921 during the War of Independence, and gained district status on 1 April 1958.
Geography and Natural Resources
Lakes Eber and Karamık are among the district’s natural attractions, and fishing and bird hunting take place on these lakes. The district economy is based on agriculture, with cereals, sugar beet and poppies produced.
History and Culture
Çay’s history goes back to the Old Bronze Age. Çay became famous for hosting the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC and became a junction of ancient trade routes. During the War of Independence, Çay was briefly under Greek occupation and was liberated on 24 September 1921. Taşhan was built for Oğul Bey by Ebul-Mücahhit Yusufhan in 1278.
Highlights
Çay district lies at the intersection of the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions, surrounded by the districts of Sultandağı, Yalvaç, Şuhut, Afyonkarahisar and Bolvadin. In the Seljuk period, Çay’s castle was repaired because of its strategic importance, and monumental structures were built, including the Grand Mosque with 40 wooden columns, the Stone Complex and the Sahipata Caravanserai.
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