Mustansiriya Madrasah

Al-Mustansiriyya Madrasa (Arabic: المدرسة المستنصرية) was a medieval-era scholarly complex in Baghdad, Iraq, that provided a universal system of higher education. It was established in 1227 CE and was named after and built by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mustansir in Baghdad, Iraq. The Madrasa taught many different subjects, including medicine, math, literature, grammar, philosophy, and Islamic religious studies. However, the major focus of education was Islamic law. It became the most prominent and high-ranking center for Islamic studies in all of Baghdad.

The architecture of the madrasa was also an important example of Islamic architectural development in Baghdad. The Madrasa has experienced several periods of decline and reemergence throughout its history. The most significant degradation to the Madrasa's architecture and position within Baghdad was the 1258 Mongol Siege of Baghdad. Today, the complex is in a state of restoration as is it being overseen by the Directorate of Antiquities in Iraq. It is currently a part of al-Mustansiriyya University, and is located on the left bank of the Tigris River.

Al-Mustansiriyya Madrasa remains one of the only surviving and authentic landmarks of Abbasid Baghdad. It is officially listed as a part of a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site list as an important example of historical Baghdad.