The Al Qarawiyyin Library, located in the historic city of Fez, Morocco, is one of the oldest library institutions still in operation in the world. Its history is intertwined with that of the University of Al Qarawiyyin, founded in the year eight hundred and fifty-nine by Fatima al-Fihri, a learned and visionary woman.
The library began as part of the University of Al Qarawiyyin, which soon became a center of learning and culture for the Islamic world. From its early years, the library accumulated rare manuscripts and texts of great scientific, philosophical and theological importance, making it one of the most valuable collections of the Middle Ages.
During the golden age of Islamic civilization, Al Qarawiyyin became a point of reference for scholars and thinkers from all corners of the Muslim world and beyond. Among those who studied or had access to it were such illustrious figures as the geographer Al Idrisi, the philosopher Averroes and the physician Avicenna. The library housed works on science, mathematics, astronomy, law and linguistics, some of which are now considered timeless masterpieces.
Over the centuries, the library has undergone various restorations to preserve its priceless collection. Among the most valuable texts housed there are an original copy of Ibn Khaldun's "Muqaddimah" and a ninth-century Koran written in Kufic script on camel skin.
In the twenty-first century, the library underwent a major restoration led by architect Aziza Chaouni. This work improved the preservation of manuscripts and made a part of the library accessible to the public, which for centuries had been reserved only for scholars. Climate control systems were introduced to protect texts and technologies to digitize the most fragile works.
Today, the Al Qarawiyyin Library continues to be a symbol of knowledge and cultural exchange. With its ancient halls and precious manuscripts, it represents not only a historical treasure, but also a beacon of knowledge and research. Its role remains essential in the dissemination of culture and the preservation of Islamic and world intellectual heritage.