Almoravid Koubba and Ben youssef Medressa

The Almouravid Koubba (Koubba El Baroudiyin) dates from the 11th century, and is a rare example of the architecture of this period, the only complete Almoravid building surviving. It dates from the reign of Ali Benyoussef (1107-43), and perhaps formed part of the toilet and ablutions facilities of the mosque which at the time existed nearby.
At first glance, it is a simple building, with a dome surmounting a square stone and brick structure. The dome is quite decorated, however with a design of interlocking arches, and a star and chevron motif on top. The arches leading to the Koubba are different on each side. Climb down the stairs to look at the structure close-up. Inside, the ceiling bellow the dome is intricately carved, it includes an octagon within an eight pointed star, and the use of a range of Almoravid motifs, including the palmette, pine cone and acanthus. Around the corniche is a dedicatory inscription in cursive script. Set into the floor is a small, almost square basin.
Close by the Koubba is the large 12th century Benyoussef mosque, rebuilt in the 19th century. On a side street just to the east of the mosque is the 16th century Medressa Benyoussef. It is fortunate that this medressa, one of the largest in Morocco and one of the few Islamic buildings open to the general public, should be in such a good state of preservation and such a good example of its kind. It is one of the most attractive buildings in Marrakech with its curved Carrara marble and finely worked cedar wood. It is an impressive example of religious architecture of the period with strong influences from Andalucia. A boarding school for religious students, each student has a separate cell with a sleeping loft and window onto the courtyard. It was founded in 1564-4 by Saadian sultan Moulay Abdellah, on the site of a previous Merinid medressa restored. The medressa is centered around a square courtyard containing a rectangular pool, and with arcades on two sides.The arcades and walls are comprehensively decorated with a variety of different designs and scripts, with use of zellij tiling on arcade floor, walls and pillars. inscriptions are in the Kufic and cursive lettering, interwoven with floral patterns. The inscription in the prayer hall, dedicated to the sultan has been translated as : 'I was constructed as a palace of learning and prayer by the Prince of the Faithful, the decetdent of the seal of the prophets, Abdallah, the ;ost glorious of all Caliphs. Pray for him, all who enters here, so that his greatest hopes may be realized'.
As the far end is the prayer hall covered with an eight sided wooden dome. Beneath the dome plaster open work windows illuminate the very attractive tilework. In the qibla wall is five-sided mirhab, and the carved stucco walls, in which the pine cone motif is predominant. There are small students' cells on both levels of the building, around separate courtyards. On the second level they often have a tiny sleeping room above, entered by bars on the wall. On the way out of the medressa there are toilets on the right of the vestibule, they have an elaborate stalactite design on the ceiling. There is also a 10th century Andalusian ablution basin in the vestibule, decrated with eagles and Cordoban floral designs. For visitors the medressa is open from 0900-1200 and 1430-1800 and is closed fri.

North of the Benyoussef Medressa
This is an area of the medina which is worth exploring for an indication of the structure and the working of the traditional Islamic city, unspoiled by the demands of the tourist industry which has so influenced areas closer to Djamaa el Fna. This area includes the Zaouia of the Sidi Bel Abbas, one of the seven saints of the Marrakech. He was born in Ceuta in 1130 (some authorities say 1154) and during his life in Marrakech, where he campionned the cause of blind people, was patronized by Ya'qub al Mansour. The shrine, recently restored, is strictly closed to non muslims. Nearby is the Zaouia of Sidi Ben Slimane el-Jazuli, a 14th century Sufi.