Written by: Michelle Sosa
Edited by: Genevieve Hammang and Lan An
The al-Qarawiyyin Library reopened in 2016.
While many libraries are home to some of the oldest literature and/or artifacts, it’s not everyday that you come across the oldest working library in the world. Located in Fez, Morocco, the al-Qarawiyyin Library was founded in 859 CE. An Arab woman by the name of Fatima al-Fihriya was credited with the founding of the al-Qarawiyyin mosque, which was converted into a teaching institution now known as the modern University of al-Qarawiyyin. The library served as a place of study for alumni such as Ibn Abari in the 12th century and Ibn Khaldun in the 14th century. Visitors will find truly remarkable artifacts such as a 9th century version of the Quran. In 2017, an architect named Aziza Chaouni tackled a restoration project which brought the 650 year old building back to its former glory. The team of architects rebuilt the entire library foundation including improvements that will secure the conditions of the rustic artifacts.
An image of the library’s reading room.
The university library collection contains over 4,000 rare books and ancient manuscripts. Given that around the time that the library was in construction, the Algebra concepts were simultaneously making their way into Europe and thus, it is only fitting that the library also contains numerous mathematical and scientific works. Among the library’s collection you will also find the founder’s original diploma which is essentially a wooden board with inscriptions on it. The library also contains a dedicated reading room for indulging in the historical treasures in the stacks. Abdelfattah Bougchouf, the library’s curator, is in charge of handling and maintaining the manuscript collection to ensure their longevity. Prior to the library’s renovation, Abdelfattah states that four individual people held four different keys designed to open the manuscript room–meaning that these four individuals all needed to be physically present in order to open the door. This mechanism has now been changed into a combination lock door for easier access.
Library curator Abdelfattah Bougchouf looking through a text.
Now that the building has been restored the public is welcome to visit the library and discover its wealth of knowledge. Equipped with an exhibition, a cafe, as well as misting stations for visitors to cool off, this library can now be accessed safely after years of having fallen into disrepair. People from all over the world will have the privilege of witnessing such a historical marvel. While al-Qarawiyyin Library does not have an official website of sorts, visitors can conduct research on tour services in Morocco in order to plan their trip.
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