Külliye of Sultan Bayezid II - Fred on the way

Külliye of Sultan Bayezid II - Fred on the way, originally uploaded by CharlesFred.

The Beyazit Kulesi was built in 1485, not long after the Ottoamns had captured Constantinope from their base/capital in Edirne. The complex was built as a mosque, school, guest house, bakery, public bath, soup kitchen and most interestingly of all a psychiatric hospital. The complex has been restored by one of the local universities and has been opened as a Health Museum. Well worth visiting.

At a time when psychologically ill people in western Europe were being burnt at the stake, this hospital treated its patients to all sorts of therapies like music, odours and the sound of running waters.