If you are visiting historical places like the Madrasa Ben Youssef Mosque Marrakech, then it is crucial to keep your dress code accordingly. Although your clothing style reflects your personal choices, when visiting Islamic or religious places, one must consider the cultural and spiritual values. Moroccans highly respect and regard their mosques and other religious sites. Therefore, it is essential to wear something that honours and respects Moroccan culture. Madrasa Ben Youssef is one of the most admired monuments and heritage sites of Marrakech. Let’s have some insights about culturally sensitive practice in Morocco, and must consider:
Understand the cultural, religious, and historical context
Before choosing any outfit, one must know the cultural, religious, and historical significance of the place. Madrasa Ben Youssef used to be the largest Islamic college in North Africa. It was beside the Madrasa Ben Youssef mosque. Considering its cultural aspect, it is necessary for everyone to wear respectful clothes. There is no specific dress code; however, visitors’ attire must meet the mosque’s standards. You can wear general Moroccan clothes that cover your body.
Guidelines about general dress when visiting Ben Yousaf madrasah
To explore the Madrasah, you may have to enter through low doorways, narrow staircases, and on uneven floors. Therefore, it is necessary to wear something comfortable, such as sneakers, breathable trousers, flowing skirts, or a maxi or relaxed cotton dress.
Stay modest
Although often people think that while visiting a mosque you can only wear an Abaya with a hijab, that’s not it. Modest clothes also come in many styles, like a full-length shirt, a frock, or simply covering your head to be more respectful and elegant. However, you must avoid the following:
- Wearing revealing tops
- Crop tops
- Shorts
- Deep neck
- Revealing fabrics
- Uncovered shoulders
- Tight trousers or dresses
- Style comfortable
Wear comfortable footwear.
Although the floors are polished with glossy tiles, which make them slippery, you still need to wear solid sandals or sneakers, as you may also have to step over uneven stones. Also, avoid wearing heels or flip-flops.
The architecture and Atmosphere of Madrasah Ben Yusuf
When you stop inside the Madrasa Ben Youssef Mosque Marrakech, the noise of Marrakech suddenly fades, and you will observe a calm environment. This building is designed to absorb noise, giving visitors a sense of freedom from the chaos of Marrakech.
Patterns of the Madrasah
On the walls of the madrasah, mosaic tiles are installed. When sunlight reflects off these tiles in the morning or at midday, they give a reflection like you’re in a pool of water. The soft, blush colour makes it look more realistic and cooler.
Symmetrical design
The central courtyard Madrasah follows a perfect symmetry, where many visitors stop and stare. Every arch or line of the dial matches its opposite side perfectly. This mathematical precision makes this place even more beautiful and worth watching.
Unique footsteps sound
Although the floor was polished centuries ago, whenever a person steps forward, a unique tapping sound is produced that you want here, nowhere else in Marrakech.
Students room
If you climb upstairs, you will find a small, tight room with narrow wooden screens. These windows open to the courtyard. It is said that this room belongs to 100 students who used to stay there to memorise the Quran, and their whispered lessons used to calm the atmosphere of the madrasah.
What Men Should Wear at Ben Youssef Mosque?
Men visiting Madrasa Ben Youssef Mosque Marrakech must also follow a code of conduct. Although they have flexibility, they must ensure they wear modest clothes:
Shoulders Must Be Covered
For men, it is also necessary to wear shirts and robes that cover their shoulders. Wearing sleeveless or sleeve shirts is not preferable.
Long Robes
For men, it is necessary to wear long trousers because they cannot enter the mosque wearing shorts or tight pants.
Traditional Moroccan Jellaba
Wearing Moroccan Jellaba is not compulsory; however, if you wanna immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, it is preferable to wear long robes like Jellaba, especially during summer.
Clean, Neat Clothing
One essential aspect of entering the mosque is ensuring one wears tidy, clean clothes. It doesn’t matter how simple your clothes are. They are accepted only if they are clean and
What Women Should Wear at Ben Youssef Mosque
For a woman visiting an active mosque, the dress code is slightly strict. Here are some of the things that you must consider for covering your body well:
Headscarf
For entering a mosque you must cover your hair with a scarf, shawl, or something similar. The scarf material isn’t specified; you can choose a lightweight, breathable fabric. However, ensure your hair is not visible under your headscarf. Tie your head scarf properly so it stays in place, even if you fast.
Long Sleeves
For women, it is necessary to cover their arms and sleeves. Ensure you are not wearing transparent stuff. Wear long-sleeve tops or shirts in loose fits.
Long and Loose Trousers
Women must have their legs completely covered. You can wear long shirts, robes, or go for wide-leg trousers, loose plazas, or anything that ensures ankle-length coverage. Make sure you’re not wearing tight leggings or shorts above the knee.
No Body-Fitted Outfits
The general rule for the mosque is to wear loose, flowing clothes rather than tight or fitted outfits, dripping tightly around you, or anything that reveals the shape of your body.
Where to buy appropriate clothes in Marrakech?
In Marrakech, there are various ways to find modest clothes for visiting a mosque. You can hire a personal chauffeur from Private Driver Morocco. Your driver will guide you to the souks, from where you can shop for long robes and loose clothes.
Conclusion
Visiting Ben Yousaf mosque Marrackech is not just about exploring the religious or historical architecture of Marrakech, but about understanding the spiritual connection of Marrakech to Islamic culture. Dressing modestly will allow you to appreciate the culture, so the worshippers and native Moroccans will feel closer to you. Always dress nicely. Ensure you are wearing loose, comfortable clothes that are not restrictive and that cover your body thoroughly.
