Madrasa of Uljay al-Yusufi, 14th-century religious complex in Cairo, Egypt
The Madrasa of Uljay al-Yusufi is a 14th-century religious complex with a single ribbed dome, one minaret, and detailed Islamic patterns throughout its walls. The building contains teaching spaces for religious law alongside a prayer area and the founder's mausoleum.
The complex was constructed between 1366 and 1373 during the Mamluk period, when an influential military leader founded this site as a center for religious learning. The building arose during an era when such schools played a key role in spreading knowledge.
The name preserves the memory of its founder and the scholars who taught Islamic law here. Visitors can still see how the space was designed for religious study and prayer.
The site is located between two major Cairo landmarks and is accessible on foot when exploring the old city. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and expect that it remains an active place where teaching occasionally takes place.
A preserved manuscript from the complex is listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World and belongs to Egypt's National Library collection of Mamluk Qurans. This document shows the scholarly tradition that was cultivated at this place.
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