Morocco trip, Dec 2007 - Ali ben Youssef Medersa

Ali ben Youssef Medersa is an extraordinarily well-preserved 16th-century Koranic school and it was the largest of such institution in North Africa.

The large main courtyard is framed by two columned arcades is decorated with wood cravings, zellij, stuccoes:






The prayer hall is elaborately decorated with rare palm motifs as well as the more customary Islamic calligraphy:





As many as 900 students from Muslim countries all over the world once studied here. They were housed in the sleeping quarters arranged around the courtyard

Looking up to the quarters on the upper floors. The senior students get to live in the brighter rooms on the second floor.

Rooms that look out to the main courtyard

Smaller rooms that look out to the small courtyard

Hello!

A typical setup for the student's studies

The famous keyhole arches outside the Medersa