Moroccan researcher Mohamed Zine El Abidine El Hossaini presented a comprehensive overview of the scientific contributions of Al Quaraouiyine University in Fes and its role in developing medicine in the Mediterranean region. This presentation was part of the 50th International Congress on the History of Medicine, held in Tunis from November 6-7, 2026. The congress was organized by the International Society for the History of Medicine, in collaboration with the Tunisian Society for the History of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine in Tunis.
El Hossaini's presentation focused on the university's significant contributions to various medical specialties. He based his research on historical manuscripts and documents that attest to the contributions of Al Quaraouiyine University's scholars to the development of medicine. The researcher highlighted that the teaching of medicine at Al Quaraouiyine University was based on rigorous scientific foundations and methods, led by eminent scholars who emphasized experimentation and observation.
El Hossaini specifically mentioned two influential scholars, Abou Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis) and Ibn Zohr (Avenzoar). Al-Zahrawi authored the renowned medical encyclopedia "Al-Tasrif li-man ajiza an al-ta'lif," which covered various medical fields, including pharmacology, dietetics, and dermatology, with a significant section dedicated to surgery. Ibn Zohr wrote "Al-Taysir fi al-modawat wa al-tadbir," a book that simplified therapeutics and dietetics.
El Hossaini emphasized that Al-Zahrawi went beyond theoretical descriptions of medical practices, using explanatory drawings and illustrations, particularly in dentistry. He also noted that Ibn Massawayh adopted a similar approach in ophthalmology. The researcher stressed the importance of preserving and studying historical manuscripts and documents related to Al Quaraouiyine University, given their significant scientific and patrimonial value.
The congress, themed "Medicine and the Peoples of the Mediterranean," brought together numerous international researchers and experts. The event featured several sessions on various topics, including the history of medical and pharmaceutical practices, ancient sources of Mediterranean medicine, and the evolution of hospitals and healthcare institutions.
Participants discussed the circulation and exchange of medical knowledge between the two Mediterranean shores, focusing on the translation of medical works and the transmission of therapeutic theories across civilizations. They also examined the history of epidemics and quarantine measures, aiming to understand how Mediterranean populations responded to major pandemics throughout history.
El Hossaini called for the integration of Al Quaraouiyine University's historical documents into university programs, allowing students to discover and benefit from this rich scientific heritage. The congress concluded with a renewed emphasis on the significance of historical medical knowledge and its relevance to contemporary medical practices.
Key points
- The 50th International Congress on the History of Medicine was held in Tunis, Tunisia, from November 6-7, 2026.
- Al Quaraouiyine University's scholars made significant contributions to various medical specialties, including surgery, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
- The researcher, Mohamed Zine El Abidine El Hossaini, emphasized the importance of preserving historical manuscripts and documents related to Al Quaraouiyine University.
