The oldest university in the world is located in Morocco

The University of Al Qarawiyyin in the city of Fez is the oldest university in the world still in operation, according to the Guinness Book of Records. This temple of knowledge was founded in 859 by Fatima Al Fahri, a young Muslim woman. She is the ancestor of several prestigious universities around the world. Al Qarawiyyin has hosted, like other universities, debates and conferences, and housed several libraries in its main premises and annexes. It also has more than 4,000 manuscripts on various subjects in its historical library.

The government had, a few years ago, carried out the renovation of this university, in order to restore its luster. A renovation that came after a long period of neglect. The prestige and importance of Al Qarawiyyin lie in the collection of its ancient manuscripts. It was the object of a large attraction, had declared Abdelfattah Bougchouf, curator of the Al Qarawiyin library. The university has remained faithful to its original vocation, as desired by its founder. In addition to higher education, it is a space for exchange and sharing of knowledge between scholars. This option has set an example and has been adopted by several European universities.

For Abdul Majid al Mardi, the imam of the university mosque, who explained himself on Al Jazeera in 2016, Fatima Al Fahri has left a great legacy through her university and the mosque. The university has contributed to the strengthening and influence of various cultures and civilizations, and has fostered the emergence of many Muslim scholars and intellectuals.