Madrasa Ech Chamaiya

Madrasa Ech Chamaiya (Arabic: مدرسة الشماعية‎) is one of the madrasahs of the Medina of Tunis.

Commemorative plaque of the madrasa

Location

It is located in Al Madrasa Ech Chamaiya alley near souk Echammaine, which later became Souk El Blaghgia.

History

Ech Chamaiya was the first madrasa to be built in the whole Maghreb region between 1236 and 1249, following the orders of the first Hafsid sultan Abu Zakariya Yahya. Ali ibn Mohamed ibn al-Kacem was the one in charge of follow the construction works.[1]

It had a very important role in the society. Most of its students became later imams of Al-Zaytuna Mosque.[2]

The madrasa evolved through the decades. It was restored by Abou Al-Ghaith Al Qachach, the Habous manager in the 17th century.

Its current architecture is the result of the intervention of Ahmed Khodja, Dey of Tunis between 1640 and 1647.

Architecture
Metallic plaque of Ech Chamaiya alley
Entrance of madrasa Ech Chamaiya

It is known for its simple style and decoration, compared to the other monuments from the Hafsid era.

Current situation

The madrasa was restored in the nineties and became a training center for leather and shoe artisans.

References
  1. http://www.discoverislamicart.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;tn;Mon01;13;fr
  2. Mohamed Béji Ben Mami, Monuments de la médina de Tunis à travers les âges

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