Could a mosque be a university? Here in the heart of Fes, the answer is a resounding yes. Before you stands the magnificent Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine, a place where faith and knowledge have intertwined for centuries. Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine wasn’t always a university. It began as a mosque, founded in 859 by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri. She dedicated her inheritance to creating a place of worship for her community. The mosque grew, attracting scholars and students from across the Muslim world. Over time, Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine evolved into a madrasa, a center for Islamic learning. The curriculum expanded beyond religious studies, encompassing subjects like grammar, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Think of it as a medieval melting pot of ideas, where brilliant minds came to debate, research, and share their knowledge. The Marinid dynasty, rulers of Morocco in the 13th and 14th centuries, recognized the importance of Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine and further enriched its legacy. They established a library within the mosque, amassing a vast collection of precious manuscripts. Even today, Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine maintains a vital role in the academic world. In 1963, it was formally recognized as a state university, the University of Al Quaraouiyine. The ancient halls continue to echo with the voices of students, perpetuating a tradition of scholarship that has endured for over a thousand years. Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and its capacity to transcend boundaries. It reminds us that learning is a journey that knows no end, constantly evolving and enriching the lives of those who embrace it.
Mosquée al-Quaraouiyine جامعة القرويين
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Fes
Masjid Mouad Ibn Jabal
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and experience a place where faith
Orientaliste Art Gallery
Whispers of history brush against your ears. You stand before the Orientaliste Art Gallery in Fes. This isn’t just a
bab el khoukha
Slipping through Bab el Khoukha before sunrise, you might just catch Fes at its most magical. The city hasn’t fully
Camping International de Fes
Twenty-four hectares of green paradise. That’s Camping International de Fes. Imagine yourself here. Camping International de Fes isn’t just a
Mosquée Riad مسجد الرياض
“Did you know that the Mosquée Riad مسجد الرياض in Fes, Morocco, stands as a testament to faith and history?”
bab sidi bou jida
Here stands Bab Sidi Bou Jida. This gate whispers tales of a time when Fes el Bali, the old city,
Bab Sid L’Aouad
How many stories does a city gate hold? Standing before Bab Sid L’Aouad, you might find yourself asking the same
Small animals
“Did you hear that? Sounds like a monkey!” You might be surprised to hear that in Fes, but indeed, one