University of al-Qarawiyyin

The university complex contains an extensive library storing ancient manuscripts and a large mosque accommodating 22000 worshippers in the medina of Fez.

Fatima al-Fihri established this institution in 859 using her family inheritance after immigrating from the Tunisian city of Kairouan.

Students learn Classical Arabic, Islamic law, grammar, music, Sufism, medicine, and many other disciplines through traditional teaching methods.

Non-Muslim visitors cannot enter the main building premises but can observe the architecture from designated entrance points.

The institution holds the Guinness record for the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university worldwide, functioning for over 1150 years.

Location: Fez

Inception: 859

Founders: Fatima al-Fihri

Website: http://uaq.ma/

Part of: Medina of Fez

Website: http://uaq.ma

GPS coordinates: 34.06444,-4.97333

Latest update: October 17, 2025 18:34