Al-Karaouine (also written Al-Qarawiyyin or Al Quaraouiyine) University, located in Fez, Morocco, is considered the oldest continuously operating degree-granting educational institution in the world, founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, a visionary woman of Tunisian descent. Initially established as a madrasa, the university quickly became a prominent center of learning in the Islamic world, attracting scholars from across North Africa and beyond. Al-Karaouine played a crucial role in the intellectual development of the Muslim world during the Middle Ages, contributing significantly to the fields of theology, jurisprudence, and philosophy. The curriculum expanded over time to include subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and grammar. The university's significance lies not only in its longevity but also in its role as a bridge between different cultures, particularly during the height of Islamic civilization, when it facilitated the exchange of knowledge between the Muslim world and Europe. Today, Al-Karaouine remains a respected institution, reflecting the enduring legacy of Islamic scholarship.
