Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror is one of the most exceptional figures in Turkish, Islamic, and world history. He is a founding genius who closed one era and opened another. Edirne is the city where Fatih was born, spent his childhood and youth, where his personality developed, where he ascended the throne twice, and where he embarked on an undertaking that can be considered a turning point in world history: the conquest of Istanbul. The Clock Tower Madrasa, which houses the museum, is part of the Uc Serefeli Mosque and Complex, a masterpiece of 15th-century Ottoman architecture. The museum building was commissioned by Sultan Murad II, who transformed Edirne into a center of learning with the madrasas he established.
The construction of the Saatli Medrese (Clock Madrasa) coincides with the childhood and early youth of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, to whom the museum is dedicated. It is said that he received lessons here during his time as a prince, or that his first lesson ceremony, known as "bed-i besmele," was held here.
The Saatli Medrese was damaged in the great Edirne earthquake of 1752. While the building was in a derelict state, it was restored between 2014 and 2019 as a result of the project and implementation carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations.
On July 16, 2020, a protocol was signed between the Edirne Governorship and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University, deciding that the Saatli Medrese would be exhibited and organized as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Museum. In line with this, a museum scenario was written and exhibition and content design was created in accordance with the results report of the search conference held within this scope and under the supervision of the museum advisory board. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Museum was officially opened on May 25, 2021.
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Museum is a private museum affiliated with the Edirne Provincial Special Administration and welcomes visitors.
