The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, is widely recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating degree-granting institution. Originally established as a mosque and learning center, it evolved into a university where subjects such as Islamic studies, mathematics, astronomy, grammar, law, and medicine were taught. UNESCO and Guinness World Records recognize al-Qarawiyyin as the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world.