Al Quaraouiyine University
Al Quaraouiyine University (also spelled Al-Karaouine or Al-Qarawiyyin, Arabic: جامعة القرويين) is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Located in the Medina of Fes, Morocco, it holds the distinction of being the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world, as recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records.
Historical Context
Founding:
Al Quaraouiyine was founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy and pious Muslim woman from Tunisia.
It began as a mosque and madrasa (Islamic school) and gradually evolved into a center of learning.
Early Years:
The institution attracted scholars and students from across the Islamic world, becoming a hub for religious and scientific education.
It played a key role in the intellectual and cultural flourishing of the Islamic Golden Age.
Expansion:
Over the centuries, Al Quaraouiyine expanded its curriculum to include subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.
It became a model for other Islamic educational institutions.
Architecture and Design
Mosque:
The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque is one of the largest in Africa, with a capacity for 20,000 worshippers.
It features a hypostyle prayer hall with arches and columns, as well as a minaret added in the 10th century.
Madrasa:
The madrasa complex includes classrooms, libraries, and student accommodations.
The architecture is characterized by zellij (mosaic tilework), carved wood, and stucco plasterwork, typical of Moroccan design.
Library:
The Al Quaraouiyine Library is one of the oldest in the world, housing a vast collection of manuscripts, including works on theology, law, science, and literature.
The library was recently restored and reopened to the public in 2016.
Academic Contributions
Curriculum:
Al Quaraouiyine initially focused on Islamic studies, including Quranic exegesis, hadith, jurisprudence, and Arabic grammar.
Over time, it expanded to include secular subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.
Notable Scholars:
The university attracted renowned scholars, including:
Ibn Khaldun, the father of sociology and historiography.
Maimonides, the Jewish philosopher and physician.
Al-Idrisi, the geographer and cartographer.
Influence:
Al Quaraouiyine played a crucial role in the transmission of knowledge between the Islamic world and Europe during the Middle Ages.
It influenced the development of European universities and the Renaissance.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Center of Learning:
Al Quaraouiyine has been a center of Islamic learning for over a millennium, shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of Morocco and the wider Islamic world.
Symbol of Islamic Education:
The university is a symbol of the Islamic Golden Age and the contributions of Muslim scholars to science, philosophy, and the arts.
UNESCO Recognition:
The Medina of Fes, including Al Quaraouiyine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and cultural significance.
Modern Era
Reforms:
In 1963, Al Quaraouiyine was integrated into Morocco’s modern education system and became a state university.
It continues to offer degrees in Islamic studies, law, and Arabic literature.
Library Restoration:
The Al Quaraouiyine Library underwent a major restoration project, preserving its ancient manuscripts and making them accessible to researchers and the public.
Cultural Heritage:
The university remains a symbol of Morocco’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, attracting scholars and visitors from around the world.
Visiting Al Quaraouiyine
Location:
The university is located in the Medina of Fes, near the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Tanneries of Fez.
Accessibility:
While the mosque is open to Muslims for prayer, non-Muslims can visit the exterior and the library with special permission.
Guided tours of the Medina often include a stop at Al Quaraouiyine.
Tips for Visitors:
Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the mosque and surrounding areas.
Take time to admire the architectural details and historical significance of the site.
Interesting Facts
Oldest University:
Al Quaraouiyine is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world.
Manuscripts:
The library houses over 4,000 manuscripts, including a 9th-century Quran written in Kufic script.
Cultural Exchange:
The university has been a center of cultural exchange, bringing together scholars from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Significance
Al Quaraouiyine University is more than just an educational institution; it is a symbol of Morocco’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage. Its contributions to Islamic learning and its role in the transmission of knowledge have left an indelible mark on the world. For Moroccans, it is a source of pride and a reminder of their country’s glorious past. For visitors, it is a must-see destination in Fez, offering a deeper understanding of Morocco’s history and its enduring legacy.