Madrasa of Awlad al-Imam

The Madrasa of Awlad al-Imam (Arabic: مدرسة أولاد الإمام, romanized: Madrasat Awlad al-Imam) is a historic madrasa in Tlemcen, Algeria. It was commissioned by the Abd al-Wadid ruler Abu Hammu Musa I. Construction likely began in 1307 and was completed in 1310. Recognized as the earliest known madrasa in Tlemcen, it was established to honor two prominent scholar brothers, Abu Zayd Abd al-Rahman and Abu Musa Isa, who were collectively known as Awlad al-Imam ("Sons of the Imam").

Originally, the religious complex consisted of a mosque, a madrasa with two teaching iwans, and dedicated residential units to accommodate the two scholars. It rapidly developed into an important center of teaching in the Maghrib. The institution attracted numerous disciples, and it is probable that notable scholars, such as Muhammad al-Abili and Muhammad al-Sharif al-Tilimsani, and others received instruction there. Later in its history, it became known as the "Old Madrasa" (al-Madrasa al-Qadima) to distinguish it from the newer Tashfiniya Madrasa established by Abu Tashfin Abd al-Rahman I.

Over the centuries, the complex fell into a state of severe decline. Historical accounts from scholars such as Ahmad al-Maqqari indicate that the library of the madrasa was abandoned and filled with refuse, reflecting a broader decline in the scholarly activity of the city. Today, the madrasa and its dependencies have entirely disappeared beneath later urban development . Only the mosque of the Awlad al-Imam complex survives, particularly its minaret, though much of its original architectural form has been lost .