The Founder Backpack

Fatima al-Fihri built the world's oldest university with her inheritance. 859 AD. This bag is named for her.

Bag Description & Measurement:

The bag comes with a luggage strap for easy travel as it can slide over the extended handle of rolling luggage. The backpack has a cushioned laptop compartment which can easily fit 16 inch laptops (14L 9.5W 0.7D). There are additional pockets on the inside along with 2 water bottle pockets on the outside. 

Material: real full-grain calf-hide.

Manufacturing Region: handcrafted by artisanal communities of the Sindh region in Pakistan.

Bag length: 16 in
Bag width: 16.5 in
Bag depth: 5 in

Design Inspiration:

University of al-Qarawiyyin

Nestled in the historic heart of Fez, Morocco, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin stands as a monumental beacon of intellectual heritage. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 857 and recognized by UNESCO as the oldest continually operating educational institution in the world, it has been a vibrant gathering place for scholars, philosophers, and scientists for over a millennium. This bag pays homage to a physical and intellectual sanctuary where the pursuit of wisdom has echoed through the centuries, shaping the minds of generations, and luminaries such as Maimonides (Torah scholar and philosopher), Ibn Arabi (Islamic Sufi philosopher), Ibn Khaldun (historian and sociologist), and Leo Africanus (author).

A Doorway to Ambition and Learning

The focal point of our design is drawn directly from the mesmerizing center panels of the university's historic doors, featuring intricate, interwoven star motifs. It serves as a literal and metaphorical doorway to ambition and learning, inviting those who pass through to seek wisdom and greatness. The geometrical, radiating stars at the center represent infinite possibility and the unending expansion of knowledge. By carrying this pattern, you carry a symbol of stepping boldly into new realms of understanding and limitless opportunity.

The Vision of Fatima al-Fihri

The profound existence of this institution—and the ultimate inspiration behind our design—belongs to a fiercely ambitious and visionary woman: Fatima al-Fihri. In 859 CE, utilizing the entirety of her inheritance, she championed the construction of this spiritual and educational haven for her community. Wearing this geometric pattern isn't just a nod to stunning historical architecture; it is a celebration of female empowerment, pioneering leadership, and the enduring impact of a woman who built a legacy that forever changed the world.