Medina, Marrakesh

The Ali ben Youssef Medersa was built in 1565 by the Saadians. It is the largest theological college in the Maghreb. It is bigger and has a different layout than most of the other medersas. At one time, the small rooms located in the student cells use to hold 900 people. These room are clustered around small courtyards.

The Mouassine Mosque was built in the 16th century by the Saadians on land formerly occupied by the Jewish community. There is a fountain that has three sections - two for animals and one for humans. The most notable features are the three huge doorways and the intricately carved cedar ceilings. This mosque is closed to non-Muslims.

There are two zawiyyas dedicated to two of the seven saints claimed by Marrakesh. Pilgrimage to the tomb of all seven saints is considered to be equivalent of a pilgrimage to Mecca. The most important of the seven saints is Sidi Bel Abbes.These zawiyyas are located in the north-western zone of the median. Entry is closed to non-Muslims.

The Ali ben Youssef Mosque was built in the 12th century. It is the largest and oldest mosque in Marrakesh. It was completely rebuilt in the 19th century in the Merenid style in response to popular demand. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims.

The Ben Salah Mosque in Marrakesh is the most prominent in the medina. Its brilliant green tiled minaret can be seen from many places. It was built between 1318 and 1321. It is closed to non-Muslims.

The Koubba Ba'adiyn is open to non-Muslims and is the oldest monument Marrakesh has to offer. Built in the 12th century, it was not destroyed by the Almohads, as was most of Almoravid Marrakesh.

The souk or market is a characteristic feature of Moroccan life. It is a place for buying and selling.

This carpenters' souk is not really aimed toward tourists, and the atmoshpere is a little more relaxed.

This carpet souk is located is a small square with the sheepskin seller. It is situated near the former slave souk.

The Coppersmiths' Souk is not really aimed towards tourists, and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed.

The Dyers' Souk is not really aimed towards tourists, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

This souk sells goods made from copper and brass.

This souk sells good made of metals.

This souk sells jewelry, at it gives way to the leatherwork and babuche shops.

This souk sells items made from leather.

The pottery souk is located in the souk area designated at the pottery market.

Unlike the souks, the qissaria is a covered market.

This textile souk is located at the entrance of the souk area.