More than 1,100 years ago, a family moved to Fez. Fez is a city in Morocco, in North Africa. They came from a city called Kairouan. One daughter was named Fatima al-Fihri.
Moneyfrom her fatherA place to pray and learn
A big choice
Fatima's father was a rich trader. When he died, Fatima got his money. She did not keep it all for herself. She chose to build a place to pray and learn.
Real photo
Building Al-Qarawiyyin
In 859, she began building a big mosque in Fez. It was named Al-Qarawiyyin, after Kairouan. People came there to pray and to learn.
MathStarsMedicine
Teachers and students
Teachers came to teach there. Students studied math and the stars. They studied medicine and language too. Over the years, students came from near and far.
1Fezfamily moves
2Moneyfather leaves it
3859building begins
4Universitystill open
Still open today
Over time, it grew into a university. A university is a school for older students. It is still open today. Many call it the oldest university still open. One woman helped many people learn.
For parents
Goal: Your child learns how Fatima al-Fihri started Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, and why it is famous today.
Ask: how did Fatima use her money? Why was that a good choice?
Talk about a person in your community who helps others learn.
Away from the screen: Find Morocco on a globe. Then talk together about one thing your family could share to help others.
Real photo