This medrese (also called Zincirli Kuyu Medrese because of its proximity to the mosque of that name) is easily overlooked, partly because it is on somewhat raised ground along a main road, partly because one has to enter what ostentatiously is a clinic. I felt a bit awkward, mothers with children watching my progress, but it is a fine spot. It was founded by a Grand Vezir under Süleyman the Magnificent. He was called Semiz Ali, that is “Fat Ali” because he was so fat that when a dead horse was found in Istanbul, it was said Fat Ali tried to ride it and it collapsed. He was witty and honest, “a pleasant contrast to his predecessor, Rüstem Paşa, the Louse of Fortune” (writes Strolling through Istanbul, a guidebook I find to be a treasure). The medrese must have been built before 1564, it is by Sinan, “but presents no special features except the two symmetrical entrances on either side of the dershane”.