Overview:

is a large educational institution built in the 14th century during the reign of the Marinid dynasty. The madrasa is named after the Moroccan Ahmad al-Wansharisi, also known as Abu Yusuf al-Wansharisi, a religious scholar and writer who was responsible for the first recorded mosque in Algiers, located nearby. The building is an excellent example of Islamic architecture, featuring intricate details throughout the courtyard and its series of rooms. It was one of the largest and most important educational institutions in North Africa and hosted students from all across the Muslim world. The madrasa is now home to a historic artifact museum, which includes remains from Ottoman, Moorish, and African cultures. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

1. Courtyard: This impressive structure features a walled off courtyard with a shallow pool at its center. The courtyard is surrounded by intricately carved stone arches, which provide stunning decorative elements to the overall design. 2. Prayer Hall: The main prayer hall of the madrasa is located on the far side of the courtyard, behind four arched doorways. This hall features a dome ceiling and a carved marble mihrab, and is a popular attraction for visitors. 3. Minaret: The minaret of the Ben Youssef Madrasa reaches a height of 48m, making it one of the tallest in Algeria. This tower is decorated with detailed carvings of foliage and geometric patterns. 4. Residential Quarters: The Ben Youssef Madrasa has a number of rooms for residential use, located around the edges of the courtyard. These are traditionally outfitted with low-level beds, shelves and other basic furniture. 5. Library: The library of the madrasa houses an impressive collection of Islamic books and manuscripts, dating back to the 13th century. The library is notable for its traditional design, with an ornately carved wooden door and coffered ceiling. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a historical monument located in the heart of the old city of Algiers.The madrasa was founded in 1465 by Emir Sadek ben Yusuf and remained in operation until French colonial rule in 1847. The madrasa was the largest Islamic school in North Africa and was renowned for its reputable scholars, impressive architecture and special library of rare manuscripts. It was credited with producing some of the most important Muslim scholars in the region, such as Ahmad ibn Ajiba, Abderrahman Sa'idi, Yahya ben Abdelwahid, and Sidi Abdelaziz. The construction and design of the madrasa were highly sophisticated with a stunning courtyard containing nine classes for lectures, surrounded by carved stucco panels and geometrical patterns, and fourteen intricate portals. It was organized around two wings; one for students and one for teachers. It also housed a magnificent library with thousands of manuscripts, as well as a kitchen, medicine room and a room for bathing. The madrasa was shut down by the French colonial administration in 1847 and it was used as an arsenal for military purposes. In 1973, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and restoration efforts began in the following decades. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's vibrant culture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Ben Youssef Madrasa in Algiers is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Islamic religious schools in North Africa, and is the largest such school in the Maghreb region. 2. The madrasa was founded in 1236 by Sultan Abu Yusuf Yaqub, the seventh Almohad ruler, and was intended to serve as a major center of Islamic learning. 3. The name of the madrasa is derived from a famous Islamic scholar, Sidi Ben Youssef who was a student at the mosque in 1280. 4. Unique features of the architecture include green and blue carved stucco, intricate carvings, independent entranceways, and uniquely vaulted ceilings. 5. The building was heavily restored and renovated in 1882, and has since been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of the Algerian National Conservation Plan. 6. The Ben Youssef Madrasa is open to visitors year-round and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Algiers. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era