Record #00057Human Society archive
World's Oldest Existing and Continually Operating Higher-Learning Institution
The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, dates to 859 CE. Guinness World Records identifies it as the world's oldest existing and continually operating educational institution.
ARCHIVE VISUAL / 01
NOT TO SCALE
Current Record
859CE
Current record value
- Holder
- Location
- , Morocco
- Start date
- 0859
- Record status
- Verified · current
Overview
Archive NoteThe University of al-Qarawiyyin is located in Fez, Morocco, and traces its history to 859 CE.
Guinness World Records identifies it as the world's oldest existing and continually operating educational institution.
Official Moroccan sources describe its development from a religious foundation into a teaching institution and university; under the current legal framework it is a public institution of higher education and scientific research.
Record history
1 Milestones859 CE
Fez, Morocco
Current Record
Sources
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