Al Quaraouiyine University in Fez: The Oldest Continuously Operating University in the World
Al Quaraouiyine University, located in the historic city of Fez, Morocco, is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Founded in 859 AD, this institution represents a cornerstone of global educational history and a powerful symbol of Morocco’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
Situated in the heart of the ancient medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Quaraouiyine has served for more than eleven centuries as a center of learning, religious scholarship, and cultural exchange between Africa, the Islamic world, and Europe.
Foundation and Historical Origins
Al Quaraouiyine was founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a Muslim woman originally from Kairouan (modern-day Tunisia). Using her personal inheritance, she established what began as a mosque but rapidly evolved into an organized institution for education.
This historical fact is well documented and highlights the significant role of women in the development of knowledge institutions within Islamic civilization.
From Mosque to University
While initially constructed as a religious building, Al Quaraouiyine soon developed structured teaching practices that closely resemble modern university systems. Education was based on:
- Regular scholarly lectures
- Specialized teachers (ulama)
- Written certifications (ijazat)
- Multiple fields of study
Long before the emergence of European universities such as Bologna or Oxford, Al Quaraouiyine functioned as a comprehensive institution of higher learning.
Fields of Study at Al Quaraouiyine
Throughout its long history, Al Quaraouiyine offered a wide range of disciplines, including both religious and scientific fields:
- Islamic jurisprudence (Maliki school)
- Quranic studies and Hadith
- Arabic grammar, rhetoric, and literature
- Mathematics and astronomy
- Medicine and philosophy
- Logic and natural sciences
This diversity made the university attractive to students from North Africa, Al-Andalus, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Europe.
Notable Scholars Associated with Al Quaraouiyine
Many influential scholars studied or taught at Al Quaraouiyine, including:
- Ibn Khaldun – founder of sociology and historiography
- Ibn Rushd (Averroes) – philosopher and jurist
- Al-Idrisi – geographer and cartographer
- Maimonides – Jewish philosopher and physician
- Leo Africanus (Al-Hasan al-Wazzan) – historian and traveler
The presence of scholars from different religious and cultural backgrounds reflects the university’s historical openness and intellectual diversity.
The Library of Al Quaraouiyine
The Al Quaraouiyine Library is considered one of the oldest libraries in the world. It houses rare and valuable manuscripts, including:
- Ancient Quranic manuscripts written on parchment
- Early copies of Malik ibn Anas’ Al-Muwatta
- Original historical and philosophical texts
The library has undergone careful restoration in recent years while preserving its historical authenticity.
Modern Status of the University
In 1963, Al Quaraouiyine was officially integrated into Morocco’s modern public university system. Today, it specializes mainly in:
- Islamic studies
- Sharia law
- Arabic language and linguistics
Despite modernization, the institution continues to maintain its historical identity and traditional academic values.
Cultural and Touristic Importance
Al Quaraouiyine is not only an academic institution but also a major cultural landmark. Visitors interested in history, architecture, and education consider it one of the most important attractions in cultural tourism in Fez.
Its location within the old medina allows visitors to explore centuries of Moroccan history in a single walk.
Global Recognition
Al Quaraouiyine is officially recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university by:
- UNESCO
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Guinness World Records
This recognition is based on documented historical continuity, not symbolic or honorary claims.
Conclusion
Al Quaraouiyine University stands as a living testament to Morocco’s contribution to global education. For more than eleven centuries, it has preserved knowledge, encouraged scholarship, and connected cultures. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of intellectual continuity and cultural heritage in the heart of Fez.