The square was historically the main souq (market) of the city's coppersmiths (Arabic: الصفارين‎‎, romanized: saffarin), who gave the square its name. They are still present today.[1] Their workshops have been established here since at least the 16th century, when Leo Africanus noted their presence.[2]:339–340 The Saffarin Madrasa, whose entrance is on this square, was built here in 1271 CE by the Marinid sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub and is the oldest purpose-built madrasa in Morocco.[3]:286[4][5] It is still in use today and was most recently renovated in the late 2010s.[6][7] The Qarawiyyin library on the northwest side of the square was first built here in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur,[8] although the Qarawiyyin had an earlier library built further north in 1349 by Abu Inan.[9] The Saffarin Hammam also dates to the 14th century during the Marinid era.[10]