Mosque and University Kairaouine

Try to go between prayer times. You won't be allowed in until prayer is finished. For women, they should wear a scarf and be fully dressed.

Absolutely luved this mosque.
Steeped in history- surreal being there.
Was so happy that there was a Ladies prayer area!
Very stunning architecture as well.

Founded by Fatima-al-Fihiri, an Arab and daughter of a rich trader, out of her inheritance in 857-59 in a deeply cultural & historic city of Fes, Morocco 🇲🇦, University/mosque of Al-Qarawiyyin جامعة القرويين has been cited as the oldest existing & continually operating university by UNESCO.

Al-Fihiri family migrated to Fes from Kairouan, Tunisia, which contributed to the mosque's name as mosque of 'Al-Karaouine' or Al-Qarawiyyin.

The mosque area itself is huge with many multifold arches inside the main prayer hall, which are typical of the Andalucían islamic architecture used in muslim Spain between 8th to 15th centuries.

The mosque of Al-Qarawiyyin is located in Medina(Gated old town) of Fes, also called Fes-El-Bali, a UNESCO world heritage site. It mainly emphasises on Islamic & legal studies and arabic calligraphy.

Beautiful, serene and spectacular Masjid. The courtyard and the Masjid overall offers great architectural designs which have been preserved with so much care and attention.
Offer two units of Salah i.e. prayer (if you're a Muslim) and enjoy the beauty that is the oldest and first University in the history of the world founded AND funded by a Muslim woman. 😇🙂

The world's oldest degree-awarding university which has seen many famous scholars pass through its doors, which was founded by a woman. The mosque/university is still functioning as a place of prayer and formal studies and is only open to Muslims at prayer times (students come here for the odd lesson). There is a raised platform area where women can pray, which gives them a view of the wide courtyard and the interior of the mosque. The interior is magnificent and very, very clean. Very peaceful place in the heart of the old city and one can't help but think about the history of the buildings and those who visited it before.

Though unfortunately closed on Friday (Holy day in Morocco) but standing right beside the oldest university (longest running one) in world is so unbelievable… at least peeking through the crack of the giant doors give you a glimpse of this historical place of superb architecture… and how lucky it is to be a cat..

This peaceful place for Muslims' prayer is a part of the oldest university of the world. Situated in the middle of old Medina, this mosque and the university is a must-visit place in Fez, Morocco. The rich culture and the gorgeous architectural work shows the expertise of their work.
People are encouraged to enter the mosque in full length dresses (no sleeveless) while girls are requested to cover their head with scarves. Shoes off.

I don't understand why non muslims are angry here? It's a place for muslims to pray and to learn The Holy Quran. It's not a museum or a turist place. Morocko had a terrible memory of the Crusaders and the French colonialism that made life as hell for Muslims. so it is clear that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque.

fatima al-fihriya founder of mosque and university kairaouine

The noble woman's name is Fatima bint Muhammad Al Fihri. He established Karaween University in the city of Fez, Morocco in 859 AD.

The oldest learning institution, i.e. university, in the world. It was founded more than a thousand years ago, and is now an active mosque by the locals in Fes.

Astonishing, outstanding, superb, wonderful... what else..I have been there, not less than the world's oldest university. Located in the heart of the old Medina ( city) of Fez, to get there you have to mingle with the crowd, but it's really worth. Inside you'll discover an indescribable architecture and a peaceful atmosphere: some people are praying, others ( students) seated around their Sheikh ( professor, teacher) and listening attentively. It reminds me of my first ( Koranic) school years.

What a lovely experience. I loved every little detail drawn there. The only drawback I noticed is the destination

Big, beautiful mosque, well-known and the oldest university in the world.

Very beautiful historical monument, Magnificent place where we discover the Moroccan art and architecture.

Oldest university in the world. Beautiful architecture. Full of history.

Fantastic architecture and atmosphere. First University in history. Unbelievable experience being there.

As I heared it is the oldest university in the world.
Enjoy the Traditional architecture.

Beautiful mosque and university at the same time. Only Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque.

You must visit this place with a good guide. Highly recommend Zakariya al edrisi. the place has a long history and every little detail has a meaning and explanation for it. It is all about the meaning and signs behind the details.

Oldest university in the world according to UNESCO, built in 9th century (825)

If you are not muslim your not allowed in. You can take pictures from the door though.

Pro tip: you can get a bird eye view by going to nearby a roof just ask any local guy and give him 20 dirham to take you there