This complex of Muslim spiritual learning was built in two stages: the mosque first, then the madrasa was added in the 14th Century. Both are covered in the lovely traditional script of Islam – in the Islamic culture you must use text and design as a basis for decoration instead of depicting stories or teachings in mural form – and the courtyard is especially richly decorated in cedar, marble and stucco work.

The 130 tiny dormitory cells for students are now all empty, as are the uncomfortable looking classrooms, but this used to be one of the largest religious colleges in Africa. The madrasa is open for visitors as a historic site. The mosque, built in the 12th Century, is still used as a place of worship, so is out of bounds for non Muslims.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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