The Great Mosque of Fez al-Qarawiyyin

In this episode of The Story of Morocco, Lucas and Luna explore the history of the al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university in Fez. Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, it is often considered the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world. We discuss its foundation by a female refugee from Kairouan, its role as a center of Islamic learning under the Idrisids, Almoravids, and Marinids, and its famous library with manuscripts from across the Muslim world. We also touch on the controversy over its status as the oldest university, the architectural expansions over centuries, and its influence on scholars like Ibn Rushd (Averroes) and Leo Africanus. The episode covers the Qarawiyyin's curriculum, its role in Moroccan politics, and its decline and modern revival. A rich look at an institution that has shaped intellectual life in Morocco for over 1,100 years. #alQarawiyyin #FatimaAlFihri #Fez #Morocco #University #IslamicGoldenAge #Idrisid #Almoravid #Marinid #IbnRushd #LeoAfricanus #Madrasa #Library #Education #History #NorthAfrica #FexingoHistory #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo