Nº 04 · · 1 min read
Did You Know? 859
The oldest existing university in the world was founded in 859 — by a woman, in Fez, Morocco.
859. That is the year the University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded in Fez, Morocco.
A founder ahead of her time
The institution was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman who used her inheritance to build a mosque and a place of learning for her community. More than eleven centuries later, it is still open.
The oldest one still running
UNESCO and Guinness World Records recognize al-Qarawiyyin as the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world. Over the centuries, it welcomed students and scholars in theology, law, grammar, mathematics, astronomy and medicine.
Why it matters to us
Al-Qarawiyyin reminds us of something simple: education has always been about bringing people and knowledge together. In 859, that meant building a place where students could travel to meet the best teachers.
Our question in 2026 is the reverse one: what if the best teachers could travel to every student instead?
Knowledge has always looked for new ways to reach people. We think its next home might be wherever you are.
#history#did-you-know#universities
Enjoyed this chapter? Follow the journey day by day on Instagram.
@fbais.esprit
