Over six centuries old, Madrasa Ben Youssef is a timeless masterpiece. This Madrasa was distinctive due to the fine ornamentation and high walls. And what’s fascinating is that it still looks the same today as when it was founded. Since it was built, this specific school has been enlarged by Moroccan rulers. It has been a popular travel destination for students worldwide for over 400 years. It is now a well-known tourist destination. Numerous thousands of tourists come to this wonderful location each year.
The Background Of A Renowned University
The Ibn Yusef School was founded in Marrakech during the Merinid era. Sultan Abu al-Hasan erected this structure in 1364. The Saadians refurbished this school while keeping the original furnishings and design. Madrasa Ben Youssef was the first and most prominent Moroccan university during the Marinid dynasty. This structure, which has 132 rooms, served as a student campus for a university. At the time, the school had room for more than 900 students. In this building, students lived and completed their assignments. Additionally, they performed religious duties in the prayer room.
A classrooms in Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Bin Yusef Mosque next door is where the students receive their instruction. The Ben Youssef Mosque had an impact on the political and religious climate. It altered facets of life in Morocco, Andalusia, and Africa through its pupils. Scholars moved between Morocco and Andalusia for ages. Numerous topics, notably religious jurisprudence, were being taught and learned. Ben Youssef was a significant hub that contributed to the growth and dissemination of this knowledge.
The Elegant Architecture Youssef Ben Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a genuine work of art in architecture. It is evidence of Moroccan art and a thriving culture with a rich past. Two things set this monument apart. The beauty of its decoration and the symmetry of its construction.
The primary structure and Madrasa Plan of Ben Youssef
The main structure has a square shape and a 1680 m2 area. In the southern part, you can make an unobstructed center courtyard. The student rooms are located on three balconies on the remaining two sides. This school’s front door is made of bronze sculpture. Additionally, there is a dome with gypsum shapes that depict vivid text. After then, a passageway will lead you to the building’s core. The ceiling of this hallway contains symmetrical apertures. These apertures allow soft light to enter.
The Sanctuary
The prayer hall is located on the building’s northern side. There are three parallel rooms divided by rows of marble columns. The mihrab is located inside the prayer space. The mihrab indicates the qibla, a semicircular recess in the wall. The mihrab is elegantly decorated with a variety of materials and hues. This lovely prayer niche was built from gypsum, wood, and marble. A tiny dome with gypsum decorations covered the top of this mihrab.
The Purification Hall and The second storey
A square-shaped basin is located in the western portion of the ablution hall and is used for ablution. Four marble columns similarly support it and have a gypsum dome covering it. The layout of the upper floor is similar to that of the lower level. Additionally, 132 student rooms are available. This architectural structure was constructed using a wide variety of materials: Cedarwood. From the Atlas Mountains that encircle the Red City, artisans brought cedar. The prayer hall, entrance, and passageways all have opulent domes made of cedar wood.
Use of Gypsum in Madrasa Ben Youssef, Mosaic, Marble
It is the building material that is used the most. Even the facade murals on the prayer hall and courtyard are made of gypsum. Moroccan Zellige features stunning geometric patterns and a wide range of colors. The undersides of the walls, columns, passageways, stairs, and halls were covered by artisans using mosaic. All of the building’s floors are covered in Italian marble. Especially the rooms and prayer hall.
Map Of Madrasa Ben Youssef With Entrance Fee And Opening Hours
Daily hours for Madrasa Ben Youssef are 9 am to 6 pm. Madrasa Ben Youssef’s entrance fee is 70 Moroccan dirhams.
A Photo Tour to Madrasa Ben Youssef Marrakech
More about photography tours: https://morocco-phototours.com/about
Museum website: https://medersabenyoussef.com
