What is the University of al-Qarawiyyin and where is it located?

The University of al-Qarawiyyin is an ancient center of higher learning located in Fez, Morocco. It was founded as a mosque in 857-859 CE and later became a leading spiritual and educational hub during the Islamic Golden Age. Since 1963, it has been incorporated into Morocco's modern state university system.

Who founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin and when?

The University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded as a mosque between 857 and 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri. She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant named Mohammed al-Fihri, and she used her inheritance to establish the mosque for her community.

What is the significance of the name al-Qarawiyyin?

The Arabic name of the university, Jāmiʿat al-Qarawiyyin, translates to "University of the People from Kairouan." This name likely refers to the origin of Fatima al-Fihri's family, who migrated from Kairouan, Tunisia, to Fez in the early 9th century.

How has the University of al-Qarawiyyin been recognized globally?

UNESCO and Guinness World Records have recognized al-Qarawiyyin as the world's oldest university or the oldest continually operating higher learning institution. This recognition highlights its long and continuous history as an educational center.

What is the primary focus of education at the University of al-Qarawiyyin?

Education at the University of al-Qarawiyyin primarily concentrates on Islamic religious and legal sciences. There is a strong emphasis on Classical Arabic grammar and linguistics, as well as Maliki Sharia, although lessons on some non-Islamic subjects are also offered.

When were women first admitted to study at the University of al-Qarawiyyin?

Women were first admitted to study at the University of al-Qarawiyyin in the 1940s, marking a significant step in the institution's inclusivity.

What is the historical debate surrounding the foundation of al-Qarawiyyin?

Some modern historians question the traditional narrative of Fatima al-Fihri's sole foundation, suggesting it might be a legend due to its convenient symmetry with her sister's supposed founding of another mosque. Evidence from a rediscovered foundation inscription suggests a possible earlier foundation by Dawud ibn Idris, a son of Idris II, in 877 CE, though this inscription's authenticity and origin are also debated.

What subjects were taught at al-Qarawiyyin during its apogee in the Marinid period?

During its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries under the Marinid dynasty, al-Qarawiyyin taught a broad curriculum including traditional religious subjects like the Quran and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), alongside grammar, rhetoric, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and geography. Subjects considered too unorthodox, such as alchemy, were not officially taught.

What role did the Marinid dynasty play in the development of al-Qarawiyyin?

The Marinid dynasty, from the late 13th century onwards, significantly contributed to al-Qarawiyyin by constructing nearby madrasas (like Saffarin, al-Attarine, and Mesbahiyya) to house students and by restoring and embellishing the mosque itself, including its minaret and library.

What significant manuscripts are housed in the al-Qarawiyyin library?

The library houses precious manuscripts, including volumes of Malik's Al-Muwatta written on gazelle parchment, a copy of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat, a 9th-century Quran manuscript on gazelle parchment, a Quran gifted by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, Ibn Rushd's commentary on Maliki fiqh, and Ibn Khaldun's original copy of his book Al-'Ibar.

What is claimed to be the world's oldest surviving medical degree?

A document recently rediscovered in the al-Qarawiyyin library, written on deer parchment, is claimed by some scholars to be the world's oldest surviving predecessor to a Medical Doctorate degree. It was issued in 1207 CE to Abdellah Ben Saleh Al Koutami.

How did al-Qarawiyyin decline in later centuries?

Al-Qarawiyyin experienced a general decline along with the city of Fez. The teaching stagnated, the curriculum narrowed to traditional Islamic sciences, and subjects like astronomy and medicine were eventually dropped. Reforms in the late 18th century also imposed stricter limits, excluding logic, philosophy, and radical Sufi texts.

What reforms were implemented during the 20th century at al-Qarawiyyin?

Between 1914 and 1947, the French administration implemented structural reforms, including modernizing calendars, appointment systems, and replacing the ijaza with the shahada alamiyha. After Moroccan independence in 1963, al-Qarawiyyin was officially transformed into a state university with new campuses, modern curricula, and improved teacher training.

What was the role of al-Qarawiyyin in the Moroccan nationalist movement?

Al-Qarawiyyin played a role in the Moroccan nationalist movement, with many nationalists receiving their education there and forming informal political networks. The mosque was a rallying point for protests, notably in response to the Berber Dahir in 1930 and demonstrations in Meknes in 1937.

Describe the traditional teaching method used at al-Qarawiyyin.

Teaching at al-Qarawiyyin is delivered using traditional methods where students sit in a semi-circle around a sheikh. The sheikh prompts students to read texts, asks questions about grammar, law, or interpretation, and explains difficult concepts.

What are the architectural characteristics of the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?

The mosque has evolved over more than 1,000 years, resulting in a complex structure. It features a large hypostyle prayer hall, a courtyard with fountains (sahn), a minaret, and various annexes. Its exterior is integrated into the urban fabric, with numerous gates, some featuring ornate Almoravid-era bronze overlays.

What is notable about the Almoravid expansion of the mosque in the 12th century?

The Almoravid expansion, patronized by Ali ibn Yusuf between 1134 and 1143, significantly enlarged the prayer hall, added a new mihrab, and introduced elaborate muqarnas cupola ceilings. It also included a minbar similar to the Koutoubia Mosque's and ornate bronze fittings on the doors.

What is the significance of the Almohad period's contribution to the mosque's architecture?

During the Almohad period, the mosque's ablutions facilities were upgraded, and a large bronze chandelier, described as the "largest and most beautiful chandelier in the Islamic world," was added. This chandelier, commissioned between 1202 and 1219, is still present today.

What are the Marinid contributions to the mosque's architecture?

The Marinids restored the 10th-century minaret, built the Dar al-Muwaqqit (timekeeper's chamber) equipped with astronomical instruments, installed the wooden anaza screen at the courtyard entrance, and decorated the Bab al-Ward vestibule with a fluted dome. They also contributed several ornate metal chandeliers.

Describe the Saadian pavilions in the courtyard.

The Saadians added two prominent pavilions to the western and eastern ends of the courtyard, each sheltering a fountain. These pavilions, built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, emulate those found in the Alhambra palaces in Granada and are decorated with carved wood, stucco, and mosaic tiles.

What is unique about the minaret of the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?

The minaret, constructed in the 10th century, is one of the oldest preserved minarets in Morocco. It has a square shaft, stands 26.75 meters tall, and features a unique, vertically elongated lobed window on its southern facade.

What is the function of the Jama' al-Gnaiz annex?

The Jama' al-Gnaiz, located behind the southern wall of the mosque, served as a separate oratory specifically for funerary rites. It was kept distinct from the main prayer hall to maintain the latter's purity.

What is the historical significance of the library at al-Qarawiyyin?

The library is sometimes cited as the world's oldest library that remains open. Its first purpose-built structure dates to 1349 CE, and it houses a significant collection of historical manuscripts, including some of the oldest known Islamic texts.

What is the main argument for al-Qarawiyyin being the world's oldest university?

Al-Qarawiyyin is cited by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest university or continually operating higher learning institution because it was founded as an educational center in 859 CE and has operated continuously since then, predating European universities.

What are the counterarguments regarding al-Qarawiyyin's status as the 'oldest university'?

Some scholars argue that the term 'university' specifically applies to institutions that originated in medieval Christian Europe, like Paris and Bologna. They contend that al-Qarawiyyin functioned primarily as a madrasa until its modern reorganization in 1963 and that the concept of a university as understood today is a Western invention.

What differences existed between al-Qarawiyyin's pre-modern organization and European universities?

Pre-modern al-Qarawiyyin lacked a defined scholastic year, formal registration, fixed study durations, and examinations for degrees. Students typically attended for at least five years to receive an ijaza (license) upon demonstrating expertise, unlike the structured system of European universities.

Who are some of the notable figures associated with al-Qarawiyyin?

Notable figures who studied or taught at al-Qarawiyyin include Maimonides, Ibn Arabi, Ibn Khaldun, Leo Africanus, Muhammad al-Idrisi, and Allal al-Fassi, among many other influential philosophers, scholars, and political leaders.

What is the significance of the spolia capitals found in the mosque?

The spolia capitals, reused marble columns topped with deeply carved capitals, found in the mosque's mihrab area are significant because they are believed to be from the Caliphate of Cordoba era in Islamic Spain. They were re-appropriated by the Almoravids during their expansion of the mosque.

What is the purpose of the anaza in the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?

The anaza, a decorative wooden screen installed in 1289 at the central entrance to the prayer hall from the courtyard, served a symbolic purpose as an "outdoor" or "summer" mihrab for prayers conducted in the courtyard.

How did the French colonization impact al-Qarawiyyin?

During the French protectorate period starting in 1912, al-Qarawiyyin experienced a decline as a religious learning center, although it retained some significance for the sultan's administration. The French administration implemented structural reforms but did not modernize the curriculum, which remained dominated by traditional views. Student numbers also decreased as elites sought Western-style education.

What is the architectural style of the Saadian pavilions in the courtyard?

The Saadian pavilions in the courtyard emulate the style of the pavilions found in the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra palaces in Granada, Spain. They are characterized by pyramidal domes and are decorated with carved wood, stucco, mosaic tiles, and marble columns.

What is the significance of the 'Borj Neffara'?

Borj Neffara, also known as the 'Tower of the Trumpeters,' is an observation tower located next to the mosque. Although sometimes mistaken for a minaret, it was actually part of another Dar al-Muwaqqit (timekeeper's chamber).

What is the current status of the library at al-Qarawiyyin?

The current library building largely dates from a major expansion in the 1940s, including a new reading room inaugurated in 1949. It underwent significant restoration in recent years and was set to reopen around 2016-2017.

What is the significance of the 'Ya Latif' prayer in 1930 related to al-Qarawiyyin?

In July 1930, al-Qarawiyyin actively participated in reciting 'Ya Latif,' a communal prayer for times of calamity. This was done to raise awareness and opposition against the Berber Dahir, a decree issued by the French authorities two months prior.

What is the total capacity of the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?

The al-Qarawiyyin Mosque has been expanded over centuries to become the largest mosque in Africa, capable of accommodating approximately 22,000 worshippers.

What is the meaning of 'madrasa' in the context of al-Qarawiyyin?

A madrasa is an institution of higher learning in the Islamic world. Scholars consider al-Qarawiyyin to have effectively operated as a madrasa until its modern reorganization in 1963, distinguishing this status from the Western concept of a 'university'.

What is the approximate area covered by the present-day al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?

The present-day mosque complex covers an extensive area of about half a hectare.

What is the historical significance of the bronze fittings on the mosque's doors?

The ornate bronze overlays found on some of the mosque's main entrances, particularly those dating from the Almoravid period, are considered among the oldest surviving bronze artworks in Moroccan architecture.

What is the claim regarding the 'oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution in the world'?

Guinness World Records cites the University of al-Qarawiyyin as the 'oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution in the world,' while recognizing the University of Bologna as the oldest in Europe.

What subjects were excluded from the curriculum by Sultan Muhammad ibn Abdallah's reforms?

Sultan Muhammad ibn Abdallah's reforms in 1788-89 regulated the institution's program but also imposed stricter limits, excluding logic, philosophy, and more radical Sufi texts from the curriculum.

What is the significance of the 'Dar al-Muwaqqit'?

The Dar al-Muwaqqit, built at the foot of the minaret during the Marinid period, was a chamber for the mosque's timekeeper (muwaqqit). It was equipped with astrolabes and water clocks to help determine the precise times for prayer.

What is the meaning of 'ijazah' in the context of al-Qarawiyyin's education?

An 'ijazah' was a license or certificate awarded to students at al-Qarawiyyin who demonstrated a high level of expertise after completing their studies, typically after a minimum of five years of attendance.

What is the origin of the term 'romanization' as mentioned in the article?

The term 'romanization' refers to the process of transcribing words from one script, such as Arabic, into the Latin alphabet (Roman script). Variations in romanizing the university's name, like 'al-Qarawiyyin,' 'Al Quaraouine,' and 'Al-Karaouine,' are attributed to factors like family origins, linguistic differences (e.g., the Arabic letter Qaf), and French colonial influence.

What is the significance of the Kufic script mentioned in relation to the foundation inscription?

The foundation inscription, found during renovations, was written in a Kufic script very similar to those used in 9th-century Tunisia. Kufic script is one of the oldest forms of Arabic calligraphy, characterized by its angular, monumental style.

What is the 'anaza' and where is it located?

The 'anaza' is a decorative wooden screen installed in 1289 at the central entrance to the prayer hall from the courtyard. It served symbolically as an 'outdoor' or 'summer' mihrab for prayers held in the courtyard.

What is the approximate height of the al-Qarawiyyin minaret?

The minaret of the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque stands approximately 26.75 meters tall.

What is the 'sahn' in the context of the mosque's architecture?

The 'sahn' refers to the courtyard of the mosque, which is typically an open space surrounded by prayer halls and galleries, often featuring a fountain or water basin for ritual ablutions.

What is the significance of the 'muqarnas' mentioned in the mosque's architecture?

Muqarnas refers to a distinctive form of ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture, characterized by its honeycomb or stalactite-like structure. These intricate plaster or wood carvings are found in several areas of the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, particularly in the central nave and the funerary annex.

What is the historical context of the 'Berber Dahir' mentioned in relation to al-Qarawiyyin?

The Berber Dahir was a decree issued by French colonial authorities in 1930 that aimed to differentiate legal status between Berber and Arab populations in Morocco. Al-Qarawiyyin played a role in the nationalist opposition to this decree by participating in the propagation of the 'Ya Latif' prayer.

What is the meaning of 'fiqh' as mentioned in the university's curriculum?

Fiqh refers to Islamic jurisprudence, which encompasses the body of law derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). It is a core subject studied at al-Qarawiyyin.

What is the significance of the 'madrasa' concept in relation to universities?

The madrasa is an Islamic institution of higher learning that existed for centuries before the emergence of the European university model. While sharing some functions, scholars debate the extent to which madrasas influenced or are equivalent to universities, with some viewing the European university as a distinct, later development.

University Of Al-qarawiyyin Wiki: The Luminary of Learning: Al-Qarawiyyin's Enduring Epoch

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Foundations of Enduring Knowledge

Genesis of an Institution

Established between 857 and 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, began as a mosque and spiritual center. It evolved into a leading hub of learning during the Islamic Golden Age.

Global Recognition

Recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records, al-Qarawiyyin is cited as the oldest continuously operating higher learning institution and university globally. Its modern integration into the state university system occurred in 1963.

Academic Focus

The university's curriculum traditionally concentrates on Islamic religious and legal sciences, with particular strengths in Classical Arabic linguistics and Maliki Sharia. Teaching methods remain rooted in traditional scholarship.

A Millennium of Evolution

Early Flourishing

Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, the mosque quickly became a significant center. While the exact timeline of its educational function is debated, by the 10th century, it was a major spiritual and intellectual hub, progressively expanding its influence and structure.

Dynastic Patronage

The Almoravids (12th century) significantly expanded the prayer hall and added ornate muqarnas vaults. The Marinids (13th-14th centuries) further enhanced the complex, building madrasas nearby and establishing the mosque's renowned library. Saadian and 'Alawi dynasties continued to embellish and maintain the structure.

Decline and Modernization

Like Fez itself, al-Qarawiyyin experienced a decline in later centuries, with its curriculum narrowing. Reforms were introduced, but student numbers dwindled. The institution was formally integrated into Morocco's state university system in 1963, marking a significant transformation.

The Pursuit of Knowledge

Core Disciplines

The curriculum centers on Islamic religious and legal sciences. Key areas of strength include Classical Arabic grammar and linguistics, and Maliki jurisprudence (Sharia). While traditional, lessons in modern languages are also offered.

Traditional Pedagogy

Teaching employs traditional methods, with students gathered in circles around a sheikh. This involves reading texts, engaging in discussions on grammar, law, and interpretation, and receiving explanations on complex points.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students, typically aged 13-30, must be Muslim and demonstrate proficiency in Classical Arabic. A prerequisite is the complete memorization of the Quran, alongside other foundational medieval Islamic texts.

Architectural Tapestry

Exterior Integration

The mosque's exterior is seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric of Fez, featuring numerous gates with varying designs. Notable are the Almoravid-era bronze overlays on doors, some of which are original or meticulously recreated.

Prayer Hall & Nave

The vast hypostyle prayer hall, expanded over centuries, features a central nave emphasized by varied arches and ornate muqarnas cupolas. The mihrab, decorated with stucco, dates from the Almoravid period, utilizing re-appropriated Andalusi capitals.

Courtyard & Minaret

The central courtyard (sahn) includes fountains and Saadian-era pavilions. The 10th-century minaret, the oldest preserved in Morocco, stands as a testament to early Islamic architecture, featuring a unique vertically-elongated lobed window.

The Historic Library

Often cited as the world's oldest continuously open library, its collection includes invaluable manuscripts. The current structure evolved from a 14th-century Marinid addition, significantly expanded in the 20th century.

Defining the University

Global Recognition

UNESCO and Guinness World Records acknowledge al-Qarawiyyin as the oldest university and continuously operating higher-learning institution. This recognition stems from its founding in 857-859 CE.

Scholarly Debate

Some scholars distinguish the term "university" as originating from medieval European models. They argue that while al-Qarawiyyin was a significant center of higher learning (madrasa), its formal transformation into a state university occurred in 1963.

Historical Context

The debate highlights differing definitions of "university" and the historical development of educational institutions. Al-Qarawiyyin's continuous operation and academic rigor over twelve centuries underscore its unique historical significance, regardless of nomenclature.

Distinguished Scholars

Intellectual Pillars

Al-Qarawiyyin has been associated with numerous influential figures who shaped intellectual and cultural history across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Maimonides (1135/1138–1204), Jewish philosopher
Ibn Arabi (1165–1240), Sufi philosopher
Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406), Historian and philosopher
Leo Africanus (1494–1554), Author
Ahmed Mohammed al-Maqqari (1577–1632), Historian and theologian
Ahmad ibn Idris (1760–1837), Sufi scholar
Muhammad al-Kattani (1873–1909), Writer and political leader
Abd el-Krim el-Khattabi (1882–1963), Rifian-Moroccan leader
Allal al-Fassi (1910–1974), Moroccan politician
Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali (1893–1987), Translator
Abdullah al-Ghumari (1910–1993), Muslim jurist
Fatima al-Kabbaj (b. 1932), Member of High Council of Knowledge

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References

Joseph, S, and Najmabadi, A. Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures: Economics, education, mobility, and space. Brill, 2003, p. 314.

Brill's New Pauly: "University", Brill, 2012)

Lexikon des Mittelalters: "UniversitÃ¤t. Die AnfÃ¤nge", Vol. 8, Cols 1249â1250, Metzler, Stuttgart, [1977]â1999

Makdisi, George: "Madrasa and University in the Middle Ages", Studia Islamica, No. 32 (1970), pp. 255â264

The scholarship on these differences is summarized in Toby Huff (2003), Rise of early modern science, 2nd ed. p. 149â159; p. 179â189.

Norman Daniel: Review of "The Rise of Colleges. Institutions of Learning in Islam and the West by George Makdisi", Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 104, No. 3 (Jul. â Sep. 1984), pp. 586-588 (587)

A full list of references for this article are available at the University of al-Qarawiyyin Wikipedia page

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AI-Generated Content Advisory

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional academic or historical advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not substitute consultation with qualified historians, educators, or cultural heritage experts. Always verify critical information through primary sources and expert consultation.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

The Luminary of Learning

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Foundations of Enduring Knowledge 🕌

📜 Genesis of an Institution

🌍 Global Recognition

📚 Academic Focus

A Millennium of Evolution ⏳

✨ Early Flourishing

🏛️ Dynastic Patronage

📉 Decline and Modernization

The Pursuit of Knowledge 🎓

📖 Core Disciplines

🗣️ Traditional Pedagogy

✅ Admission Requirements

Architectural Tapestry 🏗️

🕌 Exterior Integration

✨ Prayer Hall & Nave

💧 Courtyard & Minaret

📚 The Historic Library

Defining the University 🥇

🏆 Global Recognition

🤔 Scholarly Debate

⚖️ Historical Context

Distinguished Scholars 🌟

👤 Intellectual Pillars

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Important Considerations ⚠️

📜 AI-Generated Content Advisory

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Foundations of Enduring Knowledge

Genesis of an Institution

Global Recognition

Academic Focus

A Millennium of Evolution

Early Flourishing

Dynastic Patronage

Decline and Modernization

The Pursuit of Knowledge

Core Disciplines

Traditional Pedagogy

Admission Requirements

Architectural Tapestry

Exterior Integration

Prayer Hall & Nave

Courtyard & Minaret

The Historic Library

Defining the University

Global Recognition

Scholarly Debate

Historical Context

Distinguished Scholars

Intellectual Pillars

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

AI-Generated Content Advisory