Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy scholar's daughter in 9th-century Fes, founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in 859 CE using her inheritance, establishing what is recognised today by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. Her example stands as an early and enduring testament to women's contributions to Islamic scholarship and education.
Scholar
Fatima al-Fihri
فاطمة الفهرية
Abbasid era · 800–880 CE
Founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fes in 859 CE, recognised today as the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world.
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