Morocco: one of the world’s oldest libraries is renovated

The settling dust from renovations and the banging of tools aren’t ideal sights and sounds for a library — but this is no ordinary library.

Founded 12 centuries ago by a pioneering woman and nestled in the old medina of Fez, Morocco’s University of al-Qarawiyyin library is one of the world’s oldest libraries, home to unique Islamic manuscripts treasured by historians. Yet it’s been largely hidden from the public. The architect leading its restoration, Fez native Aziza Chaouni, didn’t even know it existed until she was asked to work on it.

From Morocco: one of the world’s oldest libraries is renovated | The Seattle Times

The settling dust from renovations and the banging of tools aren’t ideal sights and sounds for a library — but this is no ordinary library.

Founded 12 centuries ago by a pioneering woman and nestled in the old medina of Fez, Morocco’s University of al-Qarawiyyin library is one of the world’s oldest libraries, home to unique Islamic manuscripts treasured by historians. Yet it’s been largely hidden from the public. The architect leading its restoration, Fez native Aziza Chaouni, didn’t even know it existed until she was asked to work on it.

From Morocco: one of the world’s oldest libraries is renovated | The Seattle Times