According to the daily newspaper Al Massae, the regional delegate for Islamic Affairs in Fez confirmed the theft of many precious antiques and artifacts of great value from Al-Karaouin mosque.

The delegate added, “The details of the case will be uncovered this week because the theft occurred during the weekend.”

Al Massae said that the stolen items date back centuries and have a human and historical value, which included a decorative object that was placed on the top of the ablution fountain, among other precious pieces from other parts of the mosque.

The elements stolen date as far back to 859 AD and are said to be one of the precious antiques of the mosque.

The public opinion in the old city of Fez has denounced these acts of robbery targeting the treasured equipment of the antique sites that represent the rich heritage of the city, and has called upon authorities to protect the cultural and spiritual heritage of the historic city.

The last incident of theft that targeted the antiquities of Fez was reported four years ago, where unidentified persons stole valuable relics belonging to the shrine of “Abi Almahassin” in “Bab Foutouh”, Fez medina.

Al Karaouine mosque in Fez dates back to the 9th century. It serves also as university and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest degree-granting university in the world.

 http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2013/04/85049/morocco-centuries-old-artifacts-stolen-from-worlds-oldest-university-report/