The largest library in the Islamic world is the Al-Qarawiyyin Library, which is located in the city of Fez, Morocco. The library was founded in the 9th century CE by Fatima al-Fihri, a Muslim woman from a wealthy family who wanted to establish a center of learning in Fez.
Over the centuries, the library grew to become one of the most important centers of learning in the Islamic world, with a collection of manuscripts and books in Arabic, Persian, and other languages. The library also played a significant role in the preservation and dissemination of Islamic knowledge and scholarship, particularly during the medieval period.
Today, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an important cultural institution in Morocco. The library has undergone major renovations in recent years to modernize its facilities and improve access to its collection.
The library is part of the larger University of Al-Qarawiyyin, which was also founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 CE. The university is considered to be one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions in the world, and has a rich history of scholarship and intellectual exchange.
The library's collection includes thousands of manuscripts and rare books, many of which date back to the medieval period. These works cover a wide range of subjects, including Islamic law, theology, history, literature, and science.
In addition to its historical significance, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library remains an important center of scholarship and research today. The library hosts a variety of academic events and conferences, and its collection continues to grow through acquisitions and donations.
One interesting fact about the library is that it was closed for renovations for several years, and was reopened in 2016 by Moroccan king Mohammed VI. The renovation project was aimed at modernizing the library's facilities, while preserving its historical and cultural significance. The library is now open to the public, and visitors can explore its collection and learn about its rich history.