Figure 1.--.

Chronology

The Arabs armed with Ilam burst out of the Arabian desert in the 7th century and by the 8th century had founded a powerful empire centered on Baghdad. The Arabs then spread Islam through North Africa and into Spain. Centers of leaning called "medersas" or Islamic schools were established throughout the Arab world. They were inspired by the schools established in Baghdad. The first medersas were founded by the Marinid sultans, during the 14th century.

Medersas

The first medersas were founded by the Marinid sultans, during the 14th century. They were Islamic colleges with boarding facilities. The curriculum was heavily based on the stdy of Islam through the Koran. The curriculum also included the Arabic language, astronomy, mathematics and medicine. At the time they were founded, the medersas were the most advanced education institutions in the Western world. Presumably China also had avanced schools, but Euopean education was still very rudimentary. Th medersas throughout the Arab world were generally constructed along the same lines. They were constructed on two levels around a central courtyard which had a fountain that was used in ritual ablutions. The courtyard was surrounded by a colonnade or gallery. THere was a large room served as both a lecture hall and for prayers. The student s had their living areas or cells (in the sence of a monastic cell) were mostly located on the upper level. The importanceof the medersas in the Arab world can be seen in the beautiful architecture. They were also decorated with magnificent art work, including carved wood, geometric designs and floral motifs and delicate lace-like plaster-work. Unlike art in the Christian world, depictions of the human form were discouraged. The puplils, despite their magnificent surroundings, lived in stark simplicity. There cells were dark and often damp. They studied, prepared their meals, and slept in these small cells. The medersas provided the cells and bread without harge to the pupils. They had to buy the rest of their food and supplies such as books. Those without afflunt parents had to work part time. Some worked as as lecturers in mosques. Others woked as servants in surrounding homes.

Countries

Morocco

Fez is known as the "Holy City of Morocco". It is famed for its Qarawiyin mosque--a symbol of Morocco's intellectual life. The mosque was founded in the 19th century and has supported both religious scholars and religious officials. There are many medersas (Islamic schools) which are located arounded the mosque. The most imposing medersa in Fez is Bou Inania, built in the mid 14th century by Sultan Abu Inan, the first ruler of the Marinid Dynasty. The building was clearly influenced by Spanish (Andalusian) archetecture. It was so imposing that it was also used as a mosque. The Medersa El Attarine, next to the Qarawiyin mosque was built in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Said. He built it by the spice souk (market). It is thus called Attarine (from the Arabic air (spices). Medersa Shrij is another beautiful medersa in Fez. It was built in the 14th century and named after its beautiful ablution pool (from the Arabic saharaj - pool). Medersa es Seffarine was built in the 13th century and is the oldest Fez medersa. It is more modest than the others and built mor on the lines of a traditional Fasi (Fez) home. The most modern of Fez's landmark medersas is Medersa El Cherratin, built in the 17th century by the Alaouite Sultan, Moulay el-Rachid--founder of the present Moroccan royal dynasty.

Created: January 16, 2003
Last updated: January 2003