“You who enter my door, may your highest hopes be exceeded.” These are the words inscribed above the fairly nondescript wooden door of the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Prepare to step inside and be amazed. The Ben Youssef Madrasa stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich history. It is one of North Africa’s largest and most significant Islamic colleges.
Founded in the 14th century, the Ben Youssef Madrasa first took shape under the Marinid sultan Abu al-Hassan. He named it after the neighboring Ben Youssef Mosque. However, it was later reconstructed in 1565 by the Saadian sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib. He transformed it into the splendid structure we see today.
For over four centuries, the Ben Youssef Madrasa served as a beacon of knowledge. Up to 900 students lived and studied within its walls. Imagine them, crowded into the 130 tiny dormitory cells.
Though it ceased operating as a college in 1960, the Ben Youssef Madrasa reopened to the public in 1982 after extensive renovations. Visitors are drawn to its intricate decorations. Many compare them to those of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Some even believe artists from Andalusia contributed to its design.
The heart of the Ben Youssef Madrasa is its cool central courtyard. A marble patio and water basin offer tranquility. Moorish zellige tiles adorn the walls and columns. They form geometrically patterned mosaics. Carved stuccoes and cedar windows showcase vines.
Don’t miss the prayer hall. It sits off the main courtyard. Marble pillars border three naves. Ornamental motifs of pine cones and palms decorate them. Islamic calligraphy and zellige tile work cover the walls. Look up to see a cedar wood dome. Twenty-four small mosaic windows pierce it.
Take a moment to observe the tiny windows of the student dormitories. They overlook the courtyard from the first floor. Explore the 130 or so cells. Some are so small that you have to crouch to enter. Yet, many offer atmospheric views of the courtyard below.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa occupies a nearly square space. It measures about 40 by 43 meters. Enter through a single street entrance. A narrow corridor leads to a vestibule chamber. From there, access the central courtyard. The layout inspires awe.
The courtyard centers around a large reflective pool. At the southeastern end lies the prayer hall. It features a mihrab with rich stucco decoration. Student dormitories cluster around the courtyard on the upper and lower levels. Six small courtyards provide access to the dorm rooms.
Notably, the Ben Youssef Madrasa once housed a marble basin from Cordoba. Crafted between 1002 and 1007, it served as an ablutions basin. It was dedicated to ‘Abd al-Malik. Today, it is on display in the prayer hall.
The ornamentation of the Ben Youssef Madrasa reflects Moroccan and Andalusi styles. Zellij tilework covers lower walls. Calligraphic friezes run at eye-level. Stucco decoration adorns middle and upper walls. Carved wooden lintels bridge the piers. Motifs include arabesques, sebka, and pine cones.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa’s street entrance features a muqarnas vault. The doors are plated with bronze. A cedar wood lintel displays an Arabic inscription. It praises Sultan Abdallah as the builder. Numerous other inscriptions appear throughout the building.
As you leave the Ben Youssef Madrasa, remember the inscription above the door. May your highest hopes be exceeded. The Ben Youssef Madrasa stands as a symbol of knowledge, art, and Moroccan heritage.