ASHRAFIYYA MADRASSAH
ASHRAFIYYA MADRASSAH
- Described as the third jewel of the Haram al-Sharif, the Al-Ashrafiyya madrassah was built by Sultan al-Malik al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din abu al-Nasr Qaytbay in 1478.
- Due to its elaborate architectural design, the madrassah was known as the most “luxurious school in Jerusalem.”
- It is composed of two levels. Its main entrance opens up to the courtyard of al-Aqsa Mosque and is characterized by the richness of its decorations and architectural elements that epitomize the best of Mamluk architectural art. The upper level has rooms and halls with some of them having views of the courtyard of the Haram al-Sharif.
- According to a deed document saved in the Ministry of Awqaf in Cairo, Qaytbay endowed plenty of lands and property to his school, including the lands of 28 villages spread throughout Gaza, Ramlah, Jerusalem, and Hebron.
- The structure underwent a first phase of restoration in 2001 and currently houses the Al-Aqsa Center for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts as well as a rare manuscript collection.
- It is the only school that has its campus on the grounds of the Haram al-Sharif.
