Al Qartawiya Madrassa
Al Qartawiya is Tripoli’s largest and most important historic madrassa. Prince Saif Al Din Qurtay founded it at the beginning of the fourteenth century, during the Mamluk period.
A monumental portal marks the entrance. Its symmetrical decoration and muqarnas—the layered, niche-like carvings characteristic of Mamluk architecture—give the doorway exceptional depth and detail. Geometric patterns, Quranic verses and royal decrees also appear on the rear wall.
A marble ablution basin stands opposite the entrance. The surrounding school corridors are raised slightly above the basin area, creating a clear change in level within the interior.
The mihrab wall is another major decorative feature, with carefully worked pieces of colored marble arranged into geometric forms and patterns.
