18-04-11. Marrakech, Morocco. Architectural details of the Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakesh, Morocco,
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Contributor:
Simon Grosset / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
R1GJJ3File size:
34.5 MB (2 MB Compressed download)Releases:
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4256 x 2832 px | 36 x 24 cm | 14.2 x 9.4 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
19 April 2011Location:
Marrakech, MoroccoMore information:
18-04-11. Marrakech, Morocco. Architectural details of the Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakesh, Morocco, named after the Almoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106–1142), who expanded the city and its influence considerably. It is the largest madrasa 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). 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 such as star and petal designs in zellige tilework. This madrasa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. Closed down in 1960, the building was refurbished and reopened to the public as an historical site in 1982. Photo © Simon Grosset / Q Photography