Ben Youssef Medrassa

From Freepedia

Bin Yousuf Madrasah was an Islamic College in Marrakech named after the 12th century ruler Sultan Muhammad Bin Yousuf who expanded the city and its influence considerably. Founded in the Merenid Period (14th century) and attached to the neighbouring Bin Yousuf Mosque, it was reconstructed in 1565 in the Sa'dian Period. It contains 130 student cells clustered around a courtyard richly carved in cedarwood, marble and stucco.The carvings contain no representations of humans or animals as required by Islam, and consist entirely of inscriptions and geometric patterns. This Madrasah was one of the largest theological Colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. Closed down in 1960, the Madrasah site was refurbished and since its reopening to the public in 1982 has become a peaceful haven in the busy city.