AlQarawiyyin

al-Qarawiyyin refers to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, located in Fes, Morocco. It is widely considered the oldest continuously operating, degree-granting university in the world by some sources, including UNESCO and Guinness World Records. Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy Tunisian immigrant, it began as a mosque and madrasa. Over centuries, it developed into a leading spiritual and educational center in the Muslim world.

The university initially focused on religious studies, Islamic jurisprudence, and Arabic grammar. However, its curriculum expanded to include a broad range of subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy, attracting scholars and students from across North Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe. It played a significant role in the intellectual and cultural life of the medieval Islamic world, contributing to advancements in various fields of knowledge.

Al-Qarawiyyin underwent periods of renovation and expansion throughout its history, with significant contributions from various dynasties that ruled Morocco. While its academic structure and offerings have evolved over time, it has maintained its status as a prominent educational institution. Today, it continues to function as a university, though its specific integration within the modern Moroccan higher education system has seen changes. The historic mosque within the complex remains a significant religious site in Fes.