The First Lady of the United States of America, Jill Biden, went on Sunday to the ke, the opportunity to discover and appreciate this architectural jewel steeped in history, located in the heart of the old Medina of Marrakesh.
Upon her arrival, Jill Biden was welcomed by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the wali of the Marrakech-Safi region, governor of the prefecture of Marrakech, Karim Kassi-Lahlou, the President of the Municipal Council of Marrakech, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, and the President of the Regional Council, Samir Koudar.
During her visit to the different spaces of this historical and educational institution, explanations were provided to the First Lady of the United States on this historical and architectural site of rare beauty which stands as witness to a radiant stage of the secular history of the Kingdom.
Jill Biden was also informed of the role and missions assigned to this building as a Center for Islamic Education and Learning, focusing mainly on Koranic studies and Islamic sciences.
The Medersa Ben Youssef, whose architecture is a perfect illustration of Moroccan and Andalusian know-how, had served as a theological faculty and welcomed students from different regions of North Africa and elsewhere.
Founded in 1565 during the reign of the Saadian Dynasty, by Sultan Abdellah Al-Ghalib, the Medersa was named after the Merinid Sultan, Abou Al Hassan Ali Ibn Othman, also known as Ben Youssef, who reigned in beginning of the fourteenth century.
In order to preserve and enhance this cultural and civilizational site rich in history, His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched in 2017 the restoration works of the Medersa which, when completed, greatly contributed to the enhancement of this emblematic monument. .
Aiming at consolidating and promoting the tourist vocation and the international dimension of the Ocher City, the restoration works were carried out by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs as part of a program intended for the preservation of the historical heritage. of the old Medina of Marrakech.
These works bear witness to the King’s constant commitment to preserving the cultural and civilizational heritage of the imperial cities of Morocco, and to enabling the Medersas to regain their former glory in terms of disseminating and promoting the values of tolerant Islam and middle ground.
Currently, the Medersa Ben Youssef is one of the most attractive cultural, historical and tourist sites in Marrakech.