Former capital of Morocco 808-1062,
1296-1548, and 1662-1912, in a valley N of
the Great Atlas mountains, 160 km/100 mi E of
Rabat; population (1982) 563,000. Textiles,
carpets, and leather are manufactured, and
the fez, a brimless hat worn in S and E
Mediterranean countries, is traditionally
said to have originated here. Kairwan Islamic
University dates from 859; the second
university was founded 1961.