Al-Azhar Mosque (Cairo)
AbrahamicIslamicmosqueNorth Africa970 CE – present
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Modern Name
Islamic Cairo, Egypt
Country
Egypt
Region
North Africa
Coordinates
30.0457, 31.2625
Era
970 CE – present
About
Founded in 970 CE by the Fatimid dynasty, Al-Azhar is simultaneously one of Islam's most historic mosques and home to Al-Azhar University — the world's oldest continuously operating Islamic university.
Significance
Al-Azhar University has been a global center of Sunni Islamic scholarship for over 1,000 years; its fatwas and religious opinions carry enormous weight across the Muslim world.
History & Historical Arc
Built by the Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli as the centerpiece of the new Fatimid capital; al-Azhar University was es…
Archaeological Notes
The mosque has been expanded across multiple dynasties; Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman additions are all visible in its la…
Key Features & Structures
- Five minarets of different eras
- Fatimid-era prayer hall
Visitor Information
Open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times; modest dress and head covering required for women.
Related Figures
Jawhar al-SiqilliAl-Muizz li-Din AllahSheikh al-Azhar