Established in 859 AD in Morocco, it’s recognized by UNESCO as the oldest existing educational institution. Here, the foundations of Islamic and Western education began to intertwine.
University of Bologna
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088 AD, was inspired by al-Qarawiyyin. It introduced the concept of "student universitas," influencing the structure of modern universities.
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University of Oxford
Established in 1096 AD, the University of Oxford in England drew inspiration from Bologna, becoming a hub for scholars across Europe, echoing the exchange of ideas initiated by al-Qarawiyyin.
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University of Paris
The University of Paris (Sorbonne), founded around 1150 AD, became known for its Scholastic method, much of which was influenced by the teachings originating from Islamic scholars in al-Qarawiyyin.
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University of Salamanca
The University of Salamanca, founded in 1134 AD, emerged as a beacon of Renaissance thought, fostering ideas that connected back to the scholarly traditions established in earlier institutions.
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All five universities emphasized the liberal arts, a concept that originated from ancient Greek education, but was revitalized through Islamic scholarship in al-Qarawiyyin and shared through Bologna and Paris.
As these universities flourished, they formed a network where students traveled between them, spreading knowledge and ideas—just as scholars did between al-Qarawiyyin and Bologna.
The pedagogical methods developed at al-Qarawiyyin, such as lectures and debate, influenced the teaching styles at Bologna and subsequently at Oxford and Paris.
Today, the principles established in these ancient institutions resonate worldwide, with universities globally adopting their models, especially in governance and curriculum structure.
The legacies of the University of al-Qarawiyyin, Bologna, Oxford, Paris, and Salamanca exemplify the evolution of higher education, showcasing how knowledge transcends borders and time, shaping our modern academic landscape.