On your next trip to Morocco, it is very likely that you will pass by some of the most important
kasbahs
mosques and other typical Moroccan constructions. And that includes madrasas as well. You might even visit one of them, especially if it has a historical and/or artistic interest. But do you know what a madrasa is in Morocco? In this post we explain and tell you which are the best ones to visit.
What is a madrasa
Madrasas, also called madrasahs or medersas, are Muslim schools of higher education. Muslim schools of higher education. In other words, prestigious educational institutions, where their students study and learn a wide variety of lessons, but always from an Islamic perspective, for example, jurisprudence, philosophy and even astronomy. But also, the Koran itself. That is why many of the students who attend them are future magnets.
In addition, madrasas are often at the same time residences for the students themselves, in some cases with hundreds of enrolled students. For this reason, these facilities usually have both private and communal spaces, such as shared dormitories, bathrooms and dining rooms.
The madrasas that are still active only allow access to Muslim people, but fortunately for travelers who do not profess Islam, it is possible to visit historic madrasas. it is possible to visit historic madrasas that no longer function as such and have been converted into museums.
museums
.
They usually have in common the existence of a central courtyard with wooden structure and elements, and richly decorated walls. richly decorated walls tile, or with plaster reliefs. Around it there is usually a gallery whose ceilings and columns can be made of wood or other light materials, with vaults and domes typical of Muslim and Andalusian architecture, such as the muqarnas. Calligraphic decoration is another common element in this type of space.
The best madrasas in Morocco
There are many madrasas in Morocco, but not so many to visit. However, some of them are of such historical and artistic interest that they have become real tourist attractions for their visitors. This is particularly the case in the imperial citieswhere such institutions achieved great success centuries ago.
Fez is one of the cities that stands out for the richness and history of its madrasas, as this city is considered the cultural and religious capital of the country. One can cite that of Bou InaniaThe structure is made of ceramic and plaster and uses other richer materials, such as onyx or bronze sheets. Its construction dates back to the 14th century.
Without leaving Fez and from the same century is the madrasa Attarine. In fact, it shares stylistic characteristics with the previous one, with roofs made of cedar wood, which is a numerous and very symbolic tree in this region.
The madrasa is even older. It is Seffarin of Fez, since its origins date back to the 13th century. Among its great attractions is the terrace, from whose viewpoint you can see much of the medina, and also the library, which shows the importance given to books in the time of the Marinids.
Not far from Fez, in Meknesthere is also a madrasa called Bou Inaniawhich also dates back to the fourteenth century and dazzles by the fineness of its reliefs in stucco and cedar wood.
And already in Marrakechthe madrasa of Ben Youssef is considered one of the great historical monuments of the city: although its foundation also dates back to the Marinid era, it was the Saadids in the sixteenth century who refounded and rebuilt it, bringing an exquisite refinement to every corner, from the pavement to the roofs. Now, this madrasa houses the Si Said Museum, which is another reason to visit, as it exhibits a rich collection of handicrafts and historical pieces, such as musical instruments and weapons.
