Douglas Olsen
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the world and the first university in the sense of a higher-learning and degree-awarding institute. It is also the first university in the sense of having independence from ecclesiastic schools and issuing secular as well as non-secular degrees. The University of Bologna is considered a self-regulating, independent corporation of scholars, and its structure served as a model for other universities in southern Europe. The University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859, is also considered one of the oldest universities in the world, but it was founded and run as a madrasa until its reorganization in 1963. The University of Magnaura in Constantinople, founded in 849, is another ancient institution considered a university, but its definition is dependent on the definition of a university used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University founded and run by its students | University of Bologna |
| University of Magnaura | |
| University of al-Qarawiyyin | |
| Takshashila University | |
| Nalanda University | |
| Al-Azhar University | |
| University of Ez-Zitouna |
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What You'll Learn
The University of Bologna
Today, the University of Bologna offers around 200 degree programs across 11 schools, including agriculture and veterinary medicine, arts and humanities, economics and management, engineering and architecture, law, medicine, and science. The university enrols approximately 85,000 students, with an international student population of around seven percent.
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The University of al-Qarawiyyin
Fatima al-Fihri was the daughter of a wealthy merchant named Mohammed al-Fihri. After her father's death, she used her inheritance to establish the university. The university was founded on the concept of higher education, with the idea of creating a social space for intellectual exchanges and progressive learning and teaching. It offered a wide range of topics and high-quality education, attracting scholars and students from all over the Muslim world. The university introduced a strict selection system, requiring students to know the Quran by heart and have a good knowledge of Arabic and general sciences.
Al-Qarawiyyin became one of the leading spiritual and educational centres of the Islamic Golden Age. It was recognised as a significant religious and educational centre until the 19th century, when it began to be overshadowed by other institutions. During the French protectorate period in the 20th century, Western scholars began to recognise al-Qarawiyyin as a "university". In 1947, it was integrated into the state educational system, and in 1963, after Moroccan independence, it was officially transformed into a university under the supervision of the ministry of education. The university was incorporated into Morocco's modern state university system, and in 1965, it was officially renamed "University of Al Quaraouiyine".
The university's original focus was on Islamic religious and legal sciences, with a heavy emphasis on Classical Arabic grammar and linguistics and Maliki Sharia. However, lessons on non-Islamic subjects are also offered to students. The university is known for its significant complex of historical Moroccan and Islamic architecture, featuring elements from many different periods of Moroccan history. The university's library holds more than 4,000 valuable manuscripts in a range of fields, including historic copies of the Quran.
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The University of Magnaura
Over time, universities became centres of innovation and research, attracting scholars and students from diverse regions. This exchange of ideas and knowledge across cultures contributed to the advancement of various academic disciplines, including astronomy, law, medicine, and philosophy. The growth and development of universities played a crucial role in shaping intellectual discourse and disseminating knowledge that has benefited societies across the globe.
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The University of Paris
Its first college was the Collège des Dix-Huit, established in 1180 by an Englishman named Josse for 18 poor scholars. The corporation was formally recognised as an "Universitas" in an edict by King Philippe-Auguste in 1200. The University of Paris was noted for its teaching of theology and served as a model for other universities in northern Europe, such as the University of Oxford.
In 1970, the university was divided into 13 autonomous universities, which today include the Sorbonne University, Panthéon-Sorbonne University, and the Paris Cité University, among others.
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The University of Oxford
Oxford's rich history is marked by notable events, including the arrival of Emo of Friesland in 1190, the first known overseas student, which fostered the university's tradition of international scholarly links. The establishment of the first colleges, including University, Balliol, and Merton, occurred between 1249 and 1264, with University College tracing its origins to William of Durham. During the 13th century, tensions between townspeople and students spurred the creation of early halls of residence, which later evolved into colleges.
Oxford's academic prowess was recognised as early as the 14th century, with King Edward III acknowledging the university's invaluable contribution to learning and the achievements of its graduates. The university's intellectual prominence continued to grow, attracting praise from popes, kings, and sages. The 18th century marked a period of scientific discovery and religious revival, with notable figures such as Professor of Geometry Edmond Halley, who predicted the return of the comet now bearing his name.
The 19th century witnessed a rise in organised student activities, with the establishment of rowing teams and music societies. This era also saw the expansion of University College, with the construction of new buildings, including the Radcliffe Quad and the 'New Building' designed by Charles Barry. The college's first women students were admitted in 1979, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.
Oxford University has played a pivotal role in the COVID-19 response, contributing significantly to global efforts in vaccine development and treatments. By early 2022, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine had been supplied to over 180 countries, saving over a million lives. The university's press, Oxford University Press, is one of the largest university press publishers globally, known for its diverse publishing programme across various disciplines.
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Frequently asked questions
The world's oldest university, the University of Bologna, was founded in 1088 and run by its students. It is the first university in the sense of a higher-learning and degree-awarding institute.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, was founded in 859 CE and is the second oldest university in the world. It was founded and run as a madrasa until after World War II.
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest operating university in the United States.
