Education is a cornerstone of civilization and culture. Throughout history, institutions of learning have played pivotal roles in shaping societies and nurturing leaders. The world’s oldest schools carry stories of philosophical evolution, societal contributions, and historical transitions. These schools have withstood the ravages of time, wars, and natural disasters, continuously serving the noble cause of education.
In this article, we explore some of these ancient institutions that have not just survived but thrived, offering insights into their remarkable histories.
Oldest Schools in The World
1. University of al-Qarawiyyin
Founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco, the University of al-Qarawiyyin holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman notable for her era, proving that the drive for education transcends gender and centuries. Initially a madrasa, al-Qarawiyyin became a university in 1963.
It has been a key religious and educational center throughout history, influencing prominent philosophers and scholars such as Ibn Khaldun. The university is renowned for its rich library that houses rare collections of Islamic manuscripts and books. It remains a symbol of the Islamic world’s commitment to knowledge and education.
2. Al-Azhar University
Established in 970 AD in Cairo, Egypt, Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest degree-granting universities in the world. It started as a madrasa and gained the status of a university in the 1960s. Al-Azhar is considered the leading university in the Islamic world for the study of Sunni theology and Sharia law. It has played a vital role in the Islamic education system and continues to influence contemporary Islamic thought.
Al-Azhar’s alumni comprise many notable personalities in different fields, reflecting its broad academic influence. This institution not only furthers education but also acts as a bridge between traditional Islamic teachings and modernity.
3. Nalanda University
This ancient university in India traces its origins back to the 5th century AD and was a renowned center for higher education until it was destroyed in the 12th century. Nalanda was situated in what is now Bihar, India, and it attracted scholars from across Asia, illustrating its historical significance and global appeal. It specialized in Buddhist studies but also offered courses in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics, and theology.
The extensive library of Nalanda was famed for containing hundreds of thousands of volumes in its peak times. Its systematic teaching methods and high academic standards helped shape a whole generation of scholars. In recognition of its value to global culture, efforts are underway to revive Nalanda as an international university of modern times.
4. University of Bologna
Founded in 1088 in Bologna, Italy, this university is widely recognized as the oldest university in Europe. Its foundation set the framework for the modern university system, establishing principles like student universitas and academic freedom, which are integral to universities worldwide today. The University of Bologna has been a pivotal site for legal studies and historically significant for producing numerous notable legal scholars during the Renaissance.
Its original medieval buildings, scattered around the center of Bologna, are still in use and open to tourists, blending educational pursuits with historical architecture. The university’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence continues to attract students from around the globe. It maintains a particularly strong reputation in the humanities and scientific fields.
5. University of Oxford
The exact founding date of the University of Oxford is unknown, but evidence of teaching exists as far back as the year 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Located in Oxford, England, it has a global reputation for outstanding academic achievement and cutting-edge research. Notable alumni include numerous British prime ministers, international leaders, and Nobel laureates.
The university comprises 38 independent colleges, each with its own unique history and character. Oxford’s libraries, such as the Bodleian, are among the most celebrated in the world, housing an extensive collection of works that attract researchers and tourists alike. The university continues to be a leader in education, offering a diverse range of programs and fostering an environment of scholarly excellence.
6. University of Salamanca
Established in 1134 and granted Royal Charter in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, the University of Salamanca is Spain’s oldest institution of higher learning and one of the world’s third-oldest universities still in operation. Located in the picturesque town of Salamanca, this university played a significant role in the Spanish Renaissance and was the first in the world to establish the chair in Humanities.
The historical buildings of the university are prime examples of Spanish Baroque architecture that attract thousands of international students and tourists yearly. Its famous alumni include the influential philosopher Miguel de Unamuno and writers like Francisco de Vitoria.
The university has had significant influence on the Spanish language and culture, serving as the model for the first grammatical descriptions of any Romance language. Its contributions to education, law, and the humanities continue to be relevant in modern academia.
7. University of Paris
Founded around 1150, the University of Paris, often referred to as the Sorbonne after its theological college, has been a pivotal educational and intellectual center since the Middle Ages. The university in Paris, France, played a crucial role in medieval intellectual life and was central to many major philosophical and scientific advancements during the Enlightenment. It was temporarily dissolved in 1793 during the French Revolution but was reestablished later and split into several autonomous universities.
The modern-day successors of the University of Paris are ranked highly among the world’s institutions of higher education and continue to uphold the legacy of their venerable predecessor.
The Sorbonne remains a symbol of academic excellence and offers courses in a wide array of disciplines, from humanities to sciences. It hosts thousands of students from various parts of the world, contributing richly to global academic discussions.
8. University of Montpellier
Established in 1160, the University of Montpellier in France is one of the oldest universities in Europe, particularly famous for its school of medicine. It originally began as a faculty of medicine, which gained prominence by the 12th century due to significant Muslim influence which brought ancient Greek medical knowledge through Arab scholars. The university has trained some of the finest minds in medicine throughout history, including Nostradamus and Rabelais. Its medical tradition continues robustly today, incorporating modern scientific research and methodologies.
The University of Montpellier also offers a broad range of other academic programs, including law, science, and technology. Its historic campus is another attraction, offering insights into medieval educational practices and architectures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the oldest school in the world, and when was it founded?
The oldest school in the world is the University of al-Qarawiyyin, located in Fez, Morocco, which was founded in 859 AD. It was established as a madrasa by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman known for her dedication to education and religion.
Throughout the centuries, it has been a leading spiritual and educational center in the Muslim world. The University of al-Qarawiyyin has been recognized by both UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world.
Can anyone visit the University of al-Qarawiyyin, and what can they see there?
Yes, visitors can explore certain parts of the University of al-Qarawiyyin; however, access to the prayer hall is restricted to Muslims. Tourists can admire the stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and historical manuscripts housed in the university’s library, one of the oldest in the world. The library contains a valuable collection of manuscripts, including a 9th-century Quran and the original copy of Ibn Khaldun’s book ‘Muqaddimah’.
Guided tours are often recommended to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the institution.
What are some other ancient schools around the world, and when were they established?
Apart from the University of al-Qarawiyyin, there are several other ancient schools around the world. The Al-Azhar University in Egypt, founded in 970-972 AD, is one of the world’s oldest degree-granting universities and is renowned in the Sunni Muslim world. Nalanda University, established in the 5th century AD in India, was one of the earliest universities in the world, attracting students from across Asia.
Another example is the University of Bologna in Italy, which was founded in 1088 and holds the title of the oldest university in Europe.
Final Thoughts
Oldest schools have made significant contributions to the development of modern education systems worldwide. They established the earliest examples of the university model, emphasizing structured curriculum, degrees, and the relationship between students and teachers. Their methods of scholarly inquiry and debate have shaped the academic process, while their historical texts and manuscripts have preserved knowledge for future generations.
Furthermore, these institutions have been pivotal in bridging cultural gaps, fostering international student’ exchanges, and promoting understanding amongst diverse cultures throughout the centuries.