University of al Quaraouiyine
The University of Al Quaraouiyine, also spelled as Al-Karaouine or Al-Qarawiyyin, is one of the oldest existing universities in the world. Located in the city of Fes, Morocco, it was founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy woman who wanted to establish a place of learning and scholarship. Originally a madrasa (Islamic school), it gradually evolved into a university and became a center of intellectual and academic excellence in the Muslim world.
Al Quaraouiyine is renowned for its contributions to various fields of knowledge, including Islamic studies, philosophy, science, and medicine. It played a significant role in preserving and transmitting classical knowledge during the Middle Ages and beyond. The university's library contains many ancient manuscripts and texts, making it one of the most important repositories of Islamic scholarship.
Throughout its long history, Al Quaraouiyine has attracted scholars and students from different parts of the world, contributing to the exchange of ideas and the advancement of learning. It continues to be an active educational institution, offering courses in a variety of disciplines and maintaining its position as a symbol of Morocco's rich intellectual heritage.