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Marrakech happened to be a great political, economic and cultural center. Its presence was felt throughout the Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. It has got a number of beautiful monuments dating from that period like the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, monumental doors, gardens, etc. Later architectural gems include the Bandiâ Palace and the Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech as well as the Saadian Tombs. Description of the Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech- Ali Bin Yousuf Madrassa was a well known Islamic college in Marrakech and was named after Sultan Ali Bin Yusuf (reined 1106–1142), who contributed greatly towards the growth and expansion of the city. Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech happens to be the largest Medrassa in Morocco. The Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech was established during the period of the Merinid (14th century) by the Merinid sultan Abu al-Hassan. The Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech was reconstructed by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib. Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech has got 130 student dormitory cells which flock around a courtyard richly carved in cedar, marble and stucco. The carvings contain no representation of humans or animals as required by Islam, and consists completely of inscriptions and geometric designs. This madrassa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. One of its best known teachers was Mohammed El Ifrani (1670-1745). Closed down in 1960, the building was renovated and reopened to the public as an historical site in 1982. Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech is a place one must visit in order to have a good idea of old lifestyles. It provides a interesting revelation into the world which is very different from our own.
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