Médersa Ben-Youssef, A Masterpiece of Islamic Artistry

Kaat Benahid, Marrakech

The interior is purely in Islamic architectural style

4.2

Introduction

The Quranic School was founded in the early 14th century by King Abou Hassan. After several expansions and renovations, it became the largest Quranic school in the Maghreb region, accommodating up to 900 students. The students are provided with food and accommodation but are responsible for cooking their own meals. In 1960, the school was transformed into a museum and underwent renovations in 1999. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech. The bronze doors at the entrance of the school are adorned with beautiful cedar wood and mosaic carvings, a stunning historical treasure. Walking through the corridor, you arrive at the marble courtyard, with a central water basin for purification, decorated with mosaic tilework. The entire courtyard is adorned with mosaic tiles, while the walls and columns feature plaster and wood carvings. These decorative elements bear a striking resemblance to the Alhambra in Granada. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice the frequent occurrence of the Arabic phrase "al-basmalah," meaning "in the name of Allah," in the decorations. Looking up, you'll see a row of closely spaced student dormitories on the second floor, surrounding the courtyard. At the other end of the courtyard is the prayer hall supported by three columns, with beautiful stained glass windows and cedar wood frames. Ascending the narrow staircase to the second floor, you discover small student dormitories. Looking out from the windows, you gain a different perspective of the courtyard's beauty.