Governor visits world’s oldest university

MOROCCO: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar took the opportunity to visit al-Qarawiyyin University, the world’s oldest university, located in Fez.

On Aug 1, Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi explored a manuscript exhibition at the al-Qarawiyyin Library, which is part of the university.

They were joined by their children and a delegation from Astana Negeri Sarawak.

al-Qarawiyyin University has been recognised as the oldest university by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records.

Its library, which has been operational since its establishment in 859, continues to function today.

Wan Junaidi views some of the original manuscripts. Photo: Astana Negeri Sarawak

The institution was founded by Fatima El-Fihriya in 859, around the same time algebra was invented.

Among the scholars who attended the university were Abu Abdullah Al-Sati, Abu Al-Abbas al-Zwawi, Ibn Rashid Al-Sabti and Ibn Al-Haj.

Al-Idrisi, Ibn Maymun /Maimonides, Ibn Khaldun, and Ibn al-Arabi were once educators at al-Qarawiyyin.

Meanwhile, on Aug 2, Wan Junaidi also visited the library at Palaise Faraj Hotel. Earlier on July 31, he took the opportunity to visit Ben Youssef Madrasa.

This visit took place during his holiday in the city of Marrakesh, following a trip to London.

During this visit, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah were also invited to tour the university’s Research Centre, where they had the chance to view some original manuscripts.