Ben Youssef Medersa, Marrakesh
The Ben Youssef Medersa, an Islamic school attached to the Ben Youssef Mosque, is home to some of the most beautiful art and architecture in Marrakesh.
History
The medersa, where students memorized the Qur'an, was founded by the Merenid Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century.
It was, however, almost completely rebuilt under the Saadians and it is they who made their distinctive mark in its architecture and art. See the near-contemporary Saadian Tombs for very similar beauty of decoration.
What to See
The medersa centers around a large courtyard with a central pool for ablutions. The buildings are made of carved cedarwood, exquisite stuccowork, and colorful zellij tiles.
At the back is a sizable prayer hall, where the most elaborate decoration can be found. The interior is covered in an abundance of pine cone and palm motifs, which are used around the mihrab to create a three-dimensional appearance.
Throughout the medersa are many Arabic inscriptions in stucco and zellij tile, the most common of which is the bismillah invocation: "In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful."
Above the central courtyard are the small windows of the tiny student dormitories. Over 800 students were housed in this madrasa, and it's difficult to imagine. From stairs in the entry vestibule you can explore all the rooms and enjoy a nice view over the courtyard. The rooms are arranged around smaller inner courtyards, rimmed with fine wood railings.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Ben Youssef Medersa |
| Type of site: | Islamic school |
| Dates: | 14th cent. |
| Architecture: | Saadian |
| Location: | Next to the Ben Youssef Mosque and near the Marrakesh Museum |
| Hours: | Daily 9-6 |
| Cost: | 20dh |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of the Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakesh. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. or a larger view, see our Marrakesh Map or Google Earth download.
Sources
- Personal visit (April 2007)
- The Rough Guide to Morocco, 7th ed. (October 2004).
