The Madrasa-ye Khan was founded in 1615 by Imam-Quli Khan, governor of Fars under Shah Abbas, as a centre for Shia theology and philosophy. The brick complex sits just south of the Shah Cheragh and has a square central courtyard ringed by student cells under two storeys of arcade, with the main prayer hall on the south side.
The famous philosopher Mulla Sadra taught here in the 17th century — his ideas shaped Iranian Shia thought for the next four centuries. The madrasa is still used, so it is not always open to the public, but visitors are usually welcomed during quiet periods. The tilework around the main iwan is among the finest in the city.