Mmorocco

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Wall in the patio
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakech, Morocco, named after the Almoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106–1142), who expanded the city and its influence considerably. It is the largest Medrasa in all of Morocco.

The college was founded during the period of the Marinid (14th century) by the Marinid sultan Abu al-Hassan and allied to the neighbouring Ben Youssef Mosque. The building of the madrasa was re-constructed by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib (1557–1574). In 1565 the works ordered by Abdallah al-Ghalib were finished, as confirmed by the inscription in the prayer room. Its 130 student dormitory cells cluster around a courtyard richly carved in cedar, marble and stucco. The carvings contain no representation of humans or animals as required by Islam, and consist entirely of inscriptions and geometric patterns. This madrasa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. One of its best known teachers was Mohammed al-Ifrani (1670-1745).
Closed down in 1960, the building was refurbished and reopened to the public as an historical site in 1982.

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Ben Youssef Medersa

The city of Marrakech offers brilliant color, exotic smells and flavors, and an inimitable environment that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. A visit to the old fortified city is like stepping back in time, and many of the ancient buildings have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

One of the most amazing places in the city is Ben Youssef Medersa. This stunning ancient structure near the heart of the Medina is an Islamic school attached to the Men Youssef Mosque. It was once the largest Koranic school in all of North Africa, with up to 900 students enrolled at one time. Each student enrolled in the school would memorize the Koran by rote by the time they completed their studies.

The Ben Youssef Medersa is home to some of the most stunning art and architecture in the city. The school itself was founded by the Merenid Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century; however, the current structure was rebuilt in the 16th century by Sultan Abdullah el Ghallib.

Similar to the Saadian tombs, the Ben Youssef Medersa is a prime example of Saadian design. Every surface, from the rose colored walls to the towering columns, are covered in the intricate decorations of the time period. The tile work throughout the structure is vibrant and stunning. The stucco molding features elaborate carvings of traditional Islamic calligraphy.

There are 130 dormitory cells (where students once resided), surrounding a peaceful courtyard filled with elaborate carvings in marble, cedar and stucco. It may be interesting to note that in all the carvings and painting throughout the Ben Youssef Medersa, there are no depictions of humans or animals. The school was built according to Islamic standards, thus the carvings and tile work consist entirely of calligraphic inscriptions and geometric shapes and patterns.

The Arabic inscriptions throughout the building are truly beautiful. They are carved into the stucco and picked out in zellij tiles. The most common inscription is the bismillah prayer “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.”

Make sure to visit the prayer hall toward the back of the building for especially elaborate examples of this décor. The full interior of the prayer hall is decorated with a pine cone and palm motif.

When you visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, you can join a tour with one of the many on-site guides. Most visitors recommend striking out and exploring on your own. This will allow you to go at your own pace as you take in the sights and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Ben Youssef Medersa is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is an admission fee, however, it’s very affordable at only $5 or $6 per person.

This the perfect place to come with friends and family to get to know a little bit more about one of the most important religions in the history of the world, along with a truly magnificent temple while exploring Morocco.

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Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

Located in the heart of Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is an oasis in a busy city, and one of its most popular attractions. In addition to enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature, visitors can learn some fascinating facts about the Berbers of Morocco when visiting the Majorelle Garden at the museum which displays the personal collection of Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who until recently were the patrons of the garden created by French artist Jaques Majorelle (1886-1962).

Pierre Bergé was long fascinated by the rich culture and art of the Berber people and identified with their need to have their culture, including their language, acknowledged and preserved. The new Moroccan Constitution which was adopted in July 2011, officially recognized and formalized the Amazigh language of the Berber people, reconfirming the thoughts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in a speech in Mar 2011 where he state that the plurality of the Moroccan identity is united and enriched by its diversity, which includes the Amazigh, the common heritage of all Moroccans.

Imazighen, or Berbers, form the foundation of indigenous North African people, with their origin believed to stretch back more than 9,000 years. They are unified by their language and culture which they have maintained over the centuries, despite some tumultuous times. The culture has a sense of community, a strong bond to the earth and a deep relationship with the sacred. The recognition afforded it by the new Constitution of Morocco will help ensure the Berber culture is preserved into the future.

Jacques Majorelle beautifully captured the emotions, colors and spirit of the Berber culture in his artworks, many of which are displayed at the Berber Museum. Other items on display include traditional handcrafted items in leather, pottery, basketry and woodworking. Decorative geometric patterns are very evident in household and decorative items, as well as those used in rituals. Ornaments and jewelry on display include intricately crafted headdresses, brooches, necklaces and earrings. Materials and techniques used in creating jewelry are varied, with filigree, engraving, carving, enamel-work and molding producing unique items. Depending on the region and local availability, jewelry incorporates silver, coral, amber and amazonite.

A section of the museum is devoted to displaying traditional clothing worn at various festive occasions such as weddings and moussems. While certain aspects are uniform, and therefore readily identified with the Berber culture, there is room for great diversity, with jewelry and accessories reflecting personal tastes. Certainly, a visit to the Berber Museum at the Majorelle Garden will provide much insight into this fascinating and ancient culture.

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