Al-Mustansiriya School المدرسة المستنصرية
A 13th-century Abbasid college beside the old souqs, one of the oldest surviving university buildings.
A college completed in the 1230s under the Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir. Its brick courtyard and arcades are among the best surviving Abbasid buildings in Baghdad.
The school was founded by the Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir and completed in the 1230s. Students learned the Quran, Islamic law, medicine, mathematics and languages, and the school had its own library, kitchens and baths. It survived the Mongol sack of Baghdad in 1258 and later served many other uses before being restored.
Its two-storey brick courtyard, decorated portals and arcades along the bank of the Tigris are among the finest surviving examples of Abbasid architecture. The building stands near the Souq al-Saray and the old government quarter, an easy walk from Al-Mutanabbi Street.
Visit with our tour: Baghdad & Aqarquf Ziggurat →
Questions & answers
Where is Al-Mustansiriya School?
Al-Mustansiriya School is in Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.
How can I visit Al-Mustansiriya School?
Al-Mustansiriya School is included in our Baghdad & Aqarquf Ziggurat tour (1 day). You can book it on WhatsApp, and we arrange the guide, transport and any permissions.
More sites in Baghdad
Al-Mutanabbi Street
Baghdad’s famous book street, busiest on Friday mornings, between the old souqs and the Tigris.
Iraq Museum
Iraq’s national museum, with treasures from Sumer, Babylon and Assyria to the Islamic era.
Al-Kadhimiya Shrine
The golden-domed shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad in north Baghdad.
Aqarquf Ziggurat
The Kassite ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, about 30 km west of Baghdad.