Al-Qarawiyyin Library
Fez, Morocco. Founded 859.
- Type: University
- City: Fez
- Country: Morocco
- Founded: 859
Overview
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, daughter of a wealthy merchant, as part of the al-Qarawiyyin mosque university, this is often called the oldest continuously operating library in the world. UNESCO lists the university as the oldest still granting degrees. Around 4,000 manuscripts survive, including ninth century codices, and architect Aziza Chaouni restored the library in 2016.
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