Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa welcomed up to 900 students in 1564. It was a Koranic school in Marrakech. For centuries, it has been a welcoming place for students from far and wide.

This school was built under Sultan Abdellah Al Ghalib. It well represents Islamic teaching and the art of building of that era. The madrassah has 132 rooms, all tastefully decorated.

It is made of marble and carved stucco. Today it is a UNESCO heritage site. People come to see it for its history and architecture.

Introduction to the Ben Youssef Medersa

The Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakech is a precious witness to the importance of education and the richness of Islamic heritage in Morocco. Founded in the 14th century, this school played a major role in the dissemination of Islamic knowledge. Its corridors show incredible architecture, a symbol of the cultural and scientific evolution of the region.

It is located at 31° 37′ 55″ N, 7° 59′ 10″ W, a symbol that never ages. Within its walls, an interior marble courtyard with an astonishing central pool. Around it stand 132 rooms for students. Each part of its architecture, made of Marrakech and Carrara marble, has a plaster ceiling carved with Asni rose. This shows the beauty and depth of Islamic art.

Near the madrasa is the Ben Youssef mosque, famous in Marrakech. It was first erected between 1121 and 1132, then renovated in 1563 under Abdallah al-Ghalib. The mosque has been brought back to life thanks to its proximity to the madrassah. This attracted new residents and revitalized the center of Marrakech. It remains an important place of life although only Muslims enter.

The History of the Ben Youssef Medersa

The Ben Youssef Medersa was created in the 14th century by an important sultan.
It grew during the 16th century thanks to another sultan. During this time, she was famous for educating in several fields, including philosophy and astronomy.

Foundation and Development

It opened its doors in 1564-65 by Sultan Abdallah el-Ghalib. It quickly welcomed up to 900 students. These students, from the age of seven, learned many varied subjects.

They studied in rooms well lit by skylights. The Medersa offered a great living environment. Students would stay for up to twenty years before moving elsewhere to continue their studies.

Periods of Prosperity and Decline

The Ben Youssef Medersa has had ups and downs in its history.
At one time it was the largest educational center in North Africa. The renovations have always maintained its reputation for excellence in Islamic and scientific studies.

Despite difficult times, in the 20th century, the madrassah was restored. Nowadays, it is a very visited place where people come from all over the world. They come to see its exceptional architecture, also attracted by its cheap entry.

Architecture and Design of the Medersa Ben Youssef

The Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech is a 14th century jewel. It fascinates with its intricate design and splendor. Visitors are always dazzled by its unique details and flowing arrangement.

Building Plan

The Madrasa is based on a huge square plan. Visitors first discover a long corridor leading to a beautiful courtyard. This courtyard includes a pond in the center.

It is surrounded by galleries and rooms for students. It shows the thought behind every detail of this place. In total, there are 134 rooms divided into 13 courtyards, showing its grandeur as a study center.

Used materials

The construction uses white Carrara marble and local pink marble. These materials shine in the prayer room and courtyard. They add unique beauty and style.

The walls and the mihrab (prayer niche) are decorated with gebs plaster. This shows the know-how of the craftsmen of the time.

The Madrasa is also famous for its zelliges, ceramic mosaics. Their precision, at 3 cm thick, is impressive. The method of mashrabiya on the windows adds to the beauty. Together, these details prove the excellence of Islamic craftsmanship.

Visit to the Medersa Ben Youssef

The Medersa Ben Youssef in Marrakech is open every day. This is a unique chance to see this ancient monument. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., then from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. from April to September.

With over 600 years of history, thousands of students have admired it. These students, from all over the world, wanted to learn Quranic theology.

The Medersa Ben Youssef in Marrakech still impresses today. It does this with its unique design and its importance to culture.

To enter, tickets are 40 Dhs for each person. Groups of more than 20 people and young people under 12 pay less.

In short, discover the rich history and magnificent art of this madrasa. It is an incredible chance to explore Islamic education and architecture.

Conclusion

The Medersa Ben Youssef is located in Marrakech. It is more than a Koranic school. It opened in the 14th century and expanded in the 16th century. It was an important place for Islamic culture and sciences.

This school has incredible architecture. There is a large courtyard and magnificent mosaics. This shows all the talent of the Saadian era. The Medersa was not just a school. It was also a place to learn mathematics and astronomy.

In 1960, the Medersa Ben Youssef closed for renovations. Today, it can be visited as a museum. Walking through the student cells, you understand their purpose. It was to help them reflect and grow spiritually.

Visiting this Medersa immerses you in the history and art of Marrakech. It is a key place for those who love Islamic history. The place is beautiful and has many stories to tell.