Which is the Oldest University in the World?

The title of the oldest university in the world is a controversial topic, mainly between the University of Carouine in Morocco and the University of Bologna in Italy. Both institutions have rich histories and significant contributions to education, but they represent different traditions and timelines in the development of higher education.

Karouin University

The University of Al Quaraouiyine was founded in 859 AD and is located in Fez, Morocco. It started as a mosque but within a few years developed into one of the most famous religious and learning centers of the Golden Age of Islam. Its excellence in theology, mathematics, astronomy and language has been coveted for centuries. It is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in existence. In 1963, it was incorporated into Morocco’s modern national university system, further establishing it as an institution vital to global education.

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The importance of Karouine lies not only in its age but also in the important role it played in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge over time. Scholars from all over the world come here in droves, and the academic environment is diversified. Notable alumni include the great historian and philosopher Ibn Khaldun, who had a major impact on the social sciences.

University of Bologna

Conversely, the oldest university in Europe is the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 AD. The school has been called the “nourishing mother of research” and was one of the first to call itself a “university”, an organized community of students and scholars. It started primarily as a center for legal research but over time expanded to include more disciplines at all levels.

Bologna’s historical importance transcends its time and has also contributed to the formation of the institution’s academic freedom and governance. Universities were structured to allow students to form associations and bargain collectively with professors over tuition and course offerings; this basic model has become the basis of modern universities around the world.

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Today, the University of Bologna has approximately 87,760 students, including many international students. Its alumni include three popes and numerous influential figures in politics and business.

University	Year of establishment	Place	Noteworthy aspects
Karouin University	AD 859	See more : Optical Illusion: Can you find the Hidden Paint Brush using your Sharp Eyes Within 15 seconds? Fez Morocco	The world’s oldest continuously operating university; plays a pivotal role in Islamic scholarship.
University of Bologna	AD 1088	Bologna, Italy	First university to use “universitas”; oldest continuously operating university in the West.

Although both universities claim to be the oldest, they embody different aspects of the development of higher education. The University of Caruíin is renowned for its historical importance in Islamic culture and education, while the University of Bologna is revered for its fundamental role in shaping the Western academic tradition. Each institution reflects a unique legacy that continues to influence modern education systems around the world.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion