Al-Sharafiyah Madrasa

Founded in 1242 AD during the Ayyubid dynasty, it is considered one of the oldest Islamic schools in the city and one of the most prominent historical schools in Aleppo. Located on the eastern side of the Umayyad Mosque within the Women’s Market, it is distinguished by its facade of black and white Ablaq stone, featuring a foundation plaque in Naskh script mentioning the name of its founder, Sharaf al-Dawla Abu al-Qasim. It was built around a square marble courtyard, preceded by a deep Iwan covered by a ribbed dome, between its sides is inscribed a band with the verse: And say, My Lord, increase me in knowledge. It was also a center for the teaching of Sharia sciences and the Arabic language, and was associated with the scientific breakthrough that followed the arrival of Nur ad-Din Zangi in Aleppo. In 1994 AD, the Department of Antiquities restored it, removing the cement mortar and restoring the original limestone mortar.