Marrakech

3. Ben Youssef Medersa

The largest Koranic school in Morocco rivals the medersa in Fes in splendor. Its perfectly proportioned courtyard is a marvel of Moorish architecture, striking an amazing balance between plain surfaces and elaborate decoration.

The splendid medersa, built around 1570, was used as a Koranic school and hostel until 1962 Ben Youssef Medersa

The school took its name from the nearby Mosque of Ben Youssef, which was built in the 12th century, but almost entirely rebuilt in the 19th century at half its original size. The medersa was part of the Merenid Sultan Abou Hassan's extensive educational plan, which included the Fes Medersas, but in 1564 it was completely restored by the Saadian Sultan Abdullah el-Ghalib. It follows the traditional plan with its central courtyard and a prayer hall, but unlike other medersas, Ben Youssef's is entered via an inconspicuous portal and a long, dark corridor. This undoubtedly heightens the pleasure of discovering the large courtyard bathed in sunlight at the end of the passage. The space, centred on a large fountain pool and flanked by two rows of pillars, is intended to inspire a sense of peacefulness. Although rich and elaborate, with colourful zellij mosaic, stucco and cedar carving, the decoration never disturbs this tranquillity.
At the back, a beautiful ornamental portal gives way to the prayer hall. Divided into three aisles by fine marble columns, the room is covered by a cedar dome surrounded by 24 small windows with detailed stucco work. The mihrab is decorated with lace-like sculpted plaster.
The medersa was built to house more than 900 students in 150 or so spartan cells on its first floor. Most cells were grouped around smaller interior courtyards, lit purely by skylights, but the favourite or most promising students were treated to the best rooms, overlooking the magnificent central courtyard.

TAKING A BREAK

Not Dead But Sleeping

All Morocco's historic cities have one or more patron saints, often connected with the creation of the city. The saint is called moul lablad, the "master of the place", and his tomb is a place of pilgrimage.
Moroccans often use the patron saint's name when referring to a particular city Marrakech is also Sab'at Rijal (Seven Saints). Tradition has it that they are not dead but asleep, and many Muslims come to the city on a pilgrimage to the seven mausoleums spread all over the medina.


Intricate carved calligraphy.


Fine cedar-wood screens cover windows overlooking the courtyard