Exploring the Oldest Library in the World: Al-Qarawiyyin Library

Amidst the bustling streets of Fez, Morocco, there stands a repository of knowledge and wisdom that has weathered the test of time. It's not just any library - it is the oldest library in the world: the Al-Qarawiyyin Library.

Founded in the ninth century, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library is as rich in history as it is in books. It was established originally as part of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin (also considered the world's oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution), by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman. Yes, you read that right! The oldest library in the world was established by a woman, and it's been serving scholars and students for over a thousand years.

Design and Architecture

The library was renovated in the 14th century, and the design is a breathtaking example of Moroccan architecture. It consists of multiple rooms, each decorated with intricate mosaics and ornate wooden carvings. There's a serene courtyard in the center, designed in the traditional riad style, with beautiful fountains and blooming trees that provide a calming oasis for study and contemplation.

Collection and Conservation

What's a library without books? The Al-Qarawiyyin Library houses thousands of manuscripts, some dating back to the earliest centuries of Islam. Among the treasures of its collection are a 9th-century Qur'an manuscript, considered one of the oldest in the world, and an original copy of Ibn Khaldun's 'Muqaddimah'.

In 2012, a major restoration project was undertaken to preserve and protect these ancient texts. The library is now equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory for preserving, restoring, and digitizing ancient texts, and a temperature and humidity control system to protect the delicate parchment.

Access and Modernity

While once exclusive to scholars and students of the university, as of 2016, the library has opened its doors to the general public, following a meticulous restoration led by architect Aziza Chaouni. Today, anyone can witness the stunning architecture and immerse themselves in the rich history encapsulated within these ancient walls. However, due to the immense historical and religious value of the texts, access to the manuscript room remains limited to researchers.

With the perfect blend of history, architecture, and knowledge, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library isn't just a place to borrow books—it's a testament to the resilience of knowledge and the enduring power of human curiosity. It is a living relic, an enduring beacon of knowledge, and a reminder of our shared human heritage.

In the digital age, where knowledge is often condensed into tweets and blog posts, it is comforting to know that such bastions of deep wisdom and learning continue to exist, reminding us of our past and guiding our future. The Al-Qarawiyyin Library stands today as it did over a millennium ago, as a beacon of learning, a sanctuary of knowledge, and a symbol of our shared human pursuit of understanding.