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Al-Azhar Mosque — Attraction in Cairo

Name
Al-Azhar Mosque
Description
Al-Azhar Mosque, known in Egypt simply as al-Azhar, is a mosque in Cairo, Egypt in the historic Islamic core of the city.
Nearby attractions
Khan el-Khalili
El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Zeinab Khatoon
27V7+WCF, Mohammed Abdou, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4293076, Egypt
Wekalet El Ghoury
3 ش محمد عبده الازهر تقاطع ش الأزهر وش, Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Egypt
Abu Dahab Mosque
24 Gameaa Al Azhar, El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 11311, Egypt
الحسين و خان الخليلي
27X6+2XG, Haret Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331303, Egypt
Nagib Mahfouz Museum
امام وكالة الغورى, بجوار جامع الأزهر, شارع التبليطة, El Gamaliya, Egypt
Wekalet of Sultan al-Ghuri – Arts Center
3 Mohamed Abdo Street, Off Al Azhar street, Al Dar Al Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 12411, Egypt
Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghuri Complex
99 Al Tarbeeaa, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4291046, Egypt
Al Ghuri Dome
27W6+C2H, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4293020, Egypt
Wasila Historical House
4 Zoukak Al Kasr, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4293070, Egypt
Nearby restaurants
El Fishawy Cafe
27X6+5XQ, Haret Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Gad
27W6+FH2، Al Azhar St Ad، عطفة الجاويشي, El Gamaliya, Egypt
Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
5 ش Sekat Al Badstan, خان الخليلى، El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331310, Egypt
قهوة ليالي الحسين
شارع Al Mashhad Al Husseini, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331303, Egypt
Kohinoor Restaurant and Cafe
شارع جوهر القائد, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 11633, Egypt
Fish Restaurant Hawary
2 Al Betar, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4293022, Egypt
New Khan El Khalili Center
5,7 El Salheya Alley, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331310, Egypt
Mahony Khan Cafe
27X6+9G9, بوابة الصالحيه, Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Onta Restaurant
3 Lotfy Ln, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4293067, Egypt
The Citadel Restaurant
27R8+VGV، Salah Salem Street، Al Hussain, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Egypt
Nearby local services
Al-Azhar For Fabric
Al Azhar, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4291046, Egypt
Khan Al Khalili Center
بوابة الصالحيه, ش Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331310, Egypt
Jordi bazar shop
6 Haret Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331301, Egypt
tienda sin dolor de cabeza
27X6+3RG, Sekat Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Saheb El Sa'ada
121 Al Motaz Ldin Allah, الفاطمي، الجمالية،، El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331401, Egypt
Kardasa Shop
73 Gawhar El Qaed St.، EL HUSSEIN, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331011, Egypt
El Hussein Bazaar
4 Haret Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331303, Egypt
Al-Azhar Park
Salah Salem St, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4294010, Egypt
Souk El Sebah
27X6+3R2, Haret Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Bazar Kapouah El Sultan (Sekket Elkabouah)
٥ سكة البلستان حى الجماليه،, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Nearby hotels
Hotel Elhussein
36 Al Mashhad Al Husseini, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Nour Elsabah Hotel - فندق نور الصباح
Khan Elkhalili، 6 Sekat Al Badstan, El-Gamaleya، Qesm Gamaleyah, Cairo Governorate 11675, Egypt
Arabian Nights Hotel
10 Al Aded, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331521, Egypt
Le Riad Hotel de Charme
114 Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331165, Egypt
Dar Faiz-E-Haakimi
48 Al Mansouria, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331535, Egypt
Gamaleya Boutique Hotel
14 Amir Al Gyosh Al Goani, El-Gamaleya, قسم, Cairo Governorate 4331167, Egypt
Related posts
Keywords
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Al-Azhar Mosque things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Al-Azhar Mosque
EgyptCairoCairoAl-Azhar Mosque

Basic Info

Al-Azhar Mosque

El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4293024, Egypt
4.8(7.2K)
Open 24 hours
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Al-Azhar Mosque, known in Egypt simply as al-Azhar, is a mosque in Cairo, Egypt in the historic Islamic core of the city.

Cultural
Accessibility
attractions: Khan el-Khalili, Zeinab Khatoon, Wekalet El Ghoury, Abu Dahab Mosque, الحسين و خان الخليلي, Nagib Mahfouz Museum, Wekalet of Sultan al-Ghuri – Arts Center, Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghuri Complex, Al Ghuri Dome, Wasila Historical House, restaurants: El Fishawy Cafe, Gad, Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe, قهوة ليالي الحسين, Kohinoor Restaurant and Cafe, Fish Restaurant Hawary, New Khan El Khalili Center, Mahony Khan Cafe, Onta Restaurant, The Citadel Restaurant, local businesses: Al-Azhar For Fabric, Khan Al Khalili Center, Jordi bazar shop, tienda sin dolor de cabeza, Saheb El Sa'ada, Kardasa Shop, El Hussein Bazaar, Al-Azhar Park, Souk El Sebah, Bazar Kapouah El Sultan (Sekket Elkabouah)
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Live events

Private tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, ATVs& Lunch
Private tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, ATVs& Lunch
Fri, Feb 6 • 8:00 AM
Qasr Ad Dobarah, Cairo Governorate, 11512, Egypt
View details
Cruise the Nile with a dinner show
Cruise the Nile with a dinner show
Fri, Feb 6 • 4:00 PM
As Sarayat, Cairo Governorate, 11512, Egypt
View details
Meditation tour at Giza pyramids, Sphinx & lunch
Meditation tour at Giza pyramids, Sphinx & lunch
Sat, Feb 7 • 7:00 AM
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Nearby attractions of Al-Azhar Mosque

Khan el-Khalili

Zeinab Khatoon

Wekalet El Ghoury

Abu Dahab Mosque

الحسين و خان الخليلي

Nagib Mahfouz Museum

Wekalet of Sultan al-Ghuri – Arts Center

Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghuri Complex

Al Ghuri Dome

Wasila Historical House

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Zeinab Khatoon

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Wekalet El Ghoury

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Abu Dahab Mosque

Abu Dahab Mosque

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Nearby restaurants of Al-Azhar Mosque

El Fishawy Cafe

Gad

Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe

قهوة ليالي الحسين

Kohinoor Restaurant and Cafe

Fish Restaurant Hawary

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Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe

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Open until 12:00 AM
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قهوة ليالي الحسين

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Nearby local services of Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar For Fabric

Khan Al Khalili Center

Jordi bazar shop

tienda sin dolor de cabeza

Saheb El Sa'ada

Kardasa Shop

El Hussein Bazaar

Al-Azhar Park

Souk El Sebah

Bazar Kapouah El Sultan (Sekket Elkabouah)

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Al-Azhar For Fabric

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Khan Al Khalili Center

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Jordi bazar shop

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tienda sin dolor de cabeza

tienda sin dolor de cabeza

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Reviews of Al-Azhar Mosque

4.8
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5.0
6y

Open main menu Wikipedia Search Al-Azhar Mosque Read in another language

Watch this page Edit "Al-Azhar" redirects here. For other uses, see Al-Azhar (disambiguation). Al-Azhar Mosque (Arabic: الجامع الأزهر‎, romanized: al-Jāmiʿ al-ʾAzhar, lit. 'The Most Resplendent Congregational Mosque'), known simply in Egypt as Al-Azhar, is an Egyptian mosque in Islamic Cairo. Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah of the Fatimid dynasty commissioned its construction for the newly established capital city in 970. Its name is usually thought to allude to the Islamic prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatimah, a revered figure in Islam who was given the title az-Zahrāʾ ("the shining or resplendent one"). It was the first mosque established in Cairo, a city that has since gained the nickname "the City of a Thousand Minarets".[b]

al-Azhar Mosque الجامع الأزهر Exterior view of al-Azhar Mosque. Four minarets and three domes visible Exterior view of al-Azhar Mosque. Religion Affiliation Islam Branch/tradition Sunni Islam[a] Leadership Mohamed el-Tayeb Location Location Cairo, Egypt Geographic coordinates 30.045709°N 31.262683°E Architecture Type Mosque Style Fatimid Date established 972 Specifications Capacity 20,000 Minaret(s) 5 Site area 15,600 m2 (168,000 sq ft)[1] After its dedication in 972, and with the hiring by mosque authorities of 35 scholars in 989, the mosque slowly devel

الازهر - القاهره. الجامع الازهر، القاهرة، مصر، بناه جوهر الصقلى قائد المعز لدين الله الفاطمى سنة 970، و أقيمت به اول صلاة جمعه سنة 972. عند بناءه كان يتكون من ثلاث أيوانات حول الصحن، وكان أكبرها أيوان القبله، و كان به خمس أروقة. وعلى مر السنين والعهود تمت فيه بعض الزيادات، أهمها فى عصر الدوله المملوكيه. مساحته الآن حوالى 12.000 م مربع. للجامع ثمانية أبواب تمن أبواب.

شيد الجامع الازهر فى الاصل للصلاة ، واقتصرت فى اول الامر الحلقات الدراسيه المقامة به على الدعايه للحكم الفاطمى و نشر الفقه الشيعى. كان الوزير ابن كلس من الاوائل الذين درسوا فيه، وعين به 37 فقيهاً للتدريس و خصص لهم مرتبات شهرية ومنحهم سكناً.

بنى الفاطميون الجامع الازهر لكي يكون مسجداً جامعاً فى عاصمتهم الجديدة. حيث كان فى مصر آنذاك مسجدان جامعان هما جامع عمرو بن العاص فى الفسطاط و جامع احمد بن طولون فى القطائع ، و كان هناك مسجداً جامعاً تالتاً فى العسكر لكن وقتها كان أطلالاً. هدف الفاطميين من بنا الازهر جنب عادة بنا المساجد الجامعه فى العواصم الجديده و انه يكون مكان يصلى فيه الخليفه و العسكر انه يكون كمان مركز لنشر مذهبهم الشيعى و رمز لانتصارهم على الدوله العباسيه. ابتدا بنا الازهر فى ابريل 970م و خلص بناه فى سنتين و تلت تشهر و اتفتح للصلا لاول مره يوم الجمعه 21 يونيه سنة 972م ( 7 رمضان 361هـ ). فى الاول ماكانش اسمه الجامع الازهر لكن " جامع القاهره " و ده كان اسمه الغالب تقريباً طول العصر الفاطمى ، و بيتقال انه اتسمى الجامع الازهر فى عهد العزيز بالله اللى بنى قصور اتسمت " القصور الزاهره " فسمو جامع القاهره " الازهر " ، لكن الارجح انه اتسمى نسبه للسيده فاطمة الزهراء اللى اتنسب اسم الدوله الفاطميه ليها.

فى البدايه الازهر كانت صفته دينيه مثل المساجد الجامعه الثانيه لكن بعدها اخد صفه علميه تعليميه ، وحصل ذلك منذ قرر الفاطميون نشر مذهبهم عن طريق التدريس فى حلقاته و بقيت الصفه التعليميه للازهر سائده طول العصر الفاطمى [1].

بعد ما قضى صلاح الدين الأيوبى (1137 - 1193) على الدوله الفاطميه و حول مصر للمذهب السنى سنة 1171، اتوقفت صلاة الجمعه فيه لغاية ما رجعها السلطان الظاهر بيبرس (حكم 1260 - 1277) [2].

فضلت الدراسه فى الجامع الازهر بنظام الحلقات حوالين الشيخ المدرس لغاية ما صدر اول قانون للازهر سنة 1872 بينظم طريقة اللحصول على شهادة العالميه و درجاتها. فى زمن محمد عبده (مفتى مصر مش شيخ الازهر) اتعملت فى الازهر لجنة اداره دايمه عشان تشرف على التدريس و نظام الأروقه. و فى سنة 1896 صدر قانون كساوى العلما و درجاتهم، و بعد كده اتعملت لايحة مرتبات، و اتنظمت شئون الاساتذه و الطلاب. اتضافت للمناهج مواد جديده زى الأخلاق و الحساب و الجبر و الهندسه و التاريخ الاسلامى، و تقويم البلدان. و فى سنة 1911 صدر قانون ينظم الدراسه فى مراحل، لكل منها نظام، و مواد تعليميه خاصه بيها. فى سنة 1930، وقت الشيخ المراغى، صدر قانون مهم حول الازهر لجامعه اسلاميه. و اتطورت الدراسه فيه بقوانين 1936 و 1937 و 1938 وكان الازهر مسجد شيعي علشان كان معمول ايام اهر ملك فاطمي و الفاطميين شيعه ولكن لما صلاح الدين شاله بقا الازهر مسجد لنشر المذهب السني بدل...

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45w

Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo: A Review and Explanation Al-Azhar Mosque, simply known as "Al-Azhar" in Egypt, is a cornerstone of Islamic history and a significant landmark in Cairo. Here's a review and explanation of this revered site: Historical Significance: Oldest in Cairo: Built between 970 and 972 AD during the Fatimid Caliphate, it holds the distinction of being the first mosque established in the city of Cairo. Symbol of Islamic Learning: Initially intended as a congregational mosque, it quickly evolved into a prominent center for Islamic learning. It has functioned as a university for over a thousand years, making it the oldest continuously operating Islamic university in the world. Influence on Sunni Islam: While founded during the Fatimid (Shia) rule, Al-Azhar later became a major center for Sunni Islamic scholarship and remains a leading authority in Sunni Islam today. Architectural Evolution: Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone numerous renovations and expansions under different rulers, including the Mamluks and Ottomans. This has resulted in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Architectural Features: Fatimid Architecture: The mosque showcases excellent examples of Fatimid architecture, evident in its design and intricate patterns. Minarets: It boasts several minarets, including the famous Al-Azhar Minaret, which stands tall at 66 meters and is a striking example of Fatimid design. Prayer Hall: The main prayer hall features a massive dome supported by impressive arches. Decorative Elements: Throughout the mosque, you can admire intricate tile work and beautiful calligraphy, reflecting the artistic heritage of different eras. Expansive Complex: The mosque complex has grown significantly over time, now encompassing a vast area with multiple gates, courtyards, and educational facilities. Visitor Experience: Cultural Immersion: Visiting Al-Azhar Mosque offers a deep immersion into Islamic culture and history. Center of Peace: Many visitors find a sense of peace and tranquility within the mosque's serene atmosphere. Educational Hub: It's a place where you can witness the ongoing pursuit of Islamic knowledge and scholarship. Architectural Marvel: Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse styles and historical layers visible in the mosque's structure. In Conclusion: Al-Azhar Mosque is much more than just a place of worship; it is a living testament to Islamic history, a renowned center of learning, and an architectural marvel. A visit to this iconic mosque in Cairo offers a unique and enriching experience for anyone interested in culture, history, and spirituality. It's a must-see for those exploring the historical...

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5.0
5y

Al-Azhar Mosque, the beacon of knowledge and faith, and one of the historical strongholds for the spread of Islam and peace among nations and countries and the most famous in Egypt and the world Islam Al-Azhar Mosque and University for more than a thousand years on June 22, 972 AD opened the Al-Azhar Mosque to pray, which is currently one of the most important and ancient mosques and universities in the world and the oldest existing impact of the Fatimid state in Egypt ..

On April 4, 970, the Fatimid caliph al-Muizz, the religion of God, laid the cornerstone of the Al-Azhar Mosque, that is, in the same year in which the leader Jawhar al-Skali opened Egypt and ordered the construction of Cairo, and the construction of the mosque was completed on June 22, 972 AD The historians differed on the reason for naming the Al-Azhar Mosque, some of whom attributed it to Mrs. Fatima Al-Zahra, which is more likely according to the Al-Azhar page, and there are those who attributed the name to the presence of the mosque between the luxurious and splendid palaces that surrounded it. And after its inauguration, Al-Azhar became a center of education, and dozens of scholars were employed to give lessons, laying the foundation for what could become the leading university in the Islamic world, where Al-Azhar is the second oldest university to exist continuously in the world after the University of Al-Karaouine. Al-Azhar Mosque played a major national role in the modern era in disseminating science and science Teaching in Al-Azhar at the beginning of the twentieth century was carried out through educational seminars and the study was divided into three primary, secondary and higher stages, and the duration of education in each of them is four years, and the successful student in each of them is granted a certificate of completion of the stage.

In 1961 the Egyptian government issued Law No. 103, which formally created Al-Azhar University and became one of the bodies of Al-Azhar for specialized higher education, along with other bodies for education before the first university stage, and another for the Supreme Council of Al-Azhar, and a third for the Islamic Research Academy, which is concerned with the dissemination of Islamic culture He wrote heritage, and advocacy and student delegations in the outside world and...

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Osama MuntahaOsama Muntaha
Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo: A Review and Explanation Al-Azhar Mosque, simply known as "Al-Azhar" in Egypt, is a cornerstone of Islamic history and a significant landmark in Cairo. Here's a review and explanation of this revered site: Historical Significance: * Oldest in Cairo: Built between 970 and 972 AD during the Fatimid Caliphate, it holds the distinction of being the first mosque established in the city of Cairo. * Symbol of Islamic Learning: Initially intended as a congregational mosque, it quickly evolved into a prominent center for Islamic learning. It has functioned as a university for over a thousand years, making it the oldest continuously operating Islamic university in the world. * Influence on Sunni Islam: While founded during the Fatimid (Shia) rule, Al-Azhar later became a major center for Sunni Islamic scholarship and remains a leading authority in Sunni Islam today. * Architectural Evolution: Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone numerous renovations and expansions under different rulers, including the Mamluks and Ottomans. This has resulted in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Architectural Features: * Fatimid Architecture: The mosque showcases excellent examples of Fatimid architecture, evident in its design and intricate patterns. * Minarets: It boasts several minarets, including the famous Al-Azhar Minaret, which stands tall at 66 meters and is a striking example of Fatimid design. * Prayer Hall: The main prayer hall features a massive dome supported by impressive arches. * Decorative Elements: Throughout the mosque, you can admire intricate tile work and beautiful calligraphy, reflecting the artistic heritage of different eras. * Expansive Complex: The mosque complex has grown significantly over time, now encompassing a vast area with multiple gates, courtyards, and educational facilities. Visitor Experience: * Cultural Immersion: Visiting Al-Azhar Mosque offers a deep immersion into Islamic culture and history. * Center of Peace: Many visitors find a sense of peace and tranquility within the mosque's serene atmosphere. * Educational Hub: It's a place where you can witness the ongoing pursuit of Islamic knowledge and scholarship. * Architectural Marvel: Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse styles and historical layers visible in the mosque's structure. In Conclusion: Al-Azhar Mosque is much more than just a place of worship; it is a living testament to Islamic history, a renowned center of learning, and an architectural marvel. A visit to this iconic mosque in Cairo offers a unique and enriching experience for anyone interested in culture, history, and spirituality. It's a must-see for those exploring the historical heart of Cairo.
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Al-Hussain Sawlan الحسين صولانAl-Hussain Sawlan الحسين صولان
وجدت الروحانية وحلقات التعليم في كل ركن من المسجد🙏💐
farooq khanfarooq khan
Al‑Azhar Mosque, founded around 970 CE by the Fatimid Caliphate, is one of Cairo’s oldest and most revered landmarks. Initially established as a Shiʿite mosque, it quickly evolved into Al‑Azhar University, now one of the world’s oldest universities and a leading center of Sunni Islamic scholarship. Nestled in the heart of Islamic Cairo near Khan el‑Khalili and other historic sites, Al‑Azhar is a cornerstone of Egypt’s spiritual and intellectual life. Its architecture is a stunning blend of Fatimid origins, Mamluk elegance, and Ottoman refinements, enriched by centuries of restoration and expansion. You enter through ornate gates into a grand courtyard of polished marble, framed by arcades and a central fountain—a peaceful oasis amid bustling Cairo. Surrounding minarets, each from a different era, add vertical harmony—three dating from Mamluk rule and two from later periods, each uniquely decorated. Inside the prayer hall, rich calligraphy, geometric mosaics, stucco carvings, and traditional mashrabiya screens combine to create a serene, meditative ambiance. The elegant mihrab and minbar are prime examples of Islamic artistry, rendered in marble, wood, and Arabic inscriptions. As the headquarters of Al‑Azhar University, the mosque’s role extends far beyond worship. For over a millennium, it has shaped Islamic theology, jurisprudence, literature, and interfaith dialogue. Its scholars and alumni are respected worldwide, and the university’s library safeguards thousands of precious manuscripts. Visiting now, you feel the layers of history—from Fatimid founding, through Mamluk expansions, to modern restoration—while sensing the mosque’s ongoing spiritual heartbeat. It welcomes worshippers and visitors with quiet dignity: dress modestly, observe peaceful reverence, and explore spaces where knowledge and faith have coexisted for a thousand years.
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Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo: A Review and Explanation Al-Azhar Mosque, simply known as "Al-Azhar" in Egypt, is a cornerstone of Islamic history and a significant landmark in Cairo. Here's a review and explanation of this revered site: Historical Significance: * Oldest in Cairo: Built between 970 and 972 AD during the Fatimid Caliphate, it holds the distinction of being the first mosque established in the city of Cairo. * Symbol of Islamic Learning: Initially intended as a congregational mosque, it quickly evolved into a prominent center for Islamic learning. It has functioned as a university for over a thousand years, making it the oldest continuously operating Islamic university in the world. * Influence on Sunni Islam: While founded during the Fatimid (Shia) rule, Al-Azhar later became a major center for Sunni Islamic scholarship and remains a leading authority in Sunni Islam today. * Architectural Evolution: Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone numerous renovations and expansions under different rulers, including the Mamluks and Ottomans. This has resulted in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Architectural Features: * Fatimid Architecture: The mosque showcases excellent examples of Fatimid architecture, evident in its design and intricate patterns. * Minarets: It boasts several minarets, including the famous Al-Azhar Minaret, which stands tall at 66 meters and is a striking example of Fatimid design. * Prayer Hall: The main prayer hall features a massive dome supported by impressive arches. * Decorative Elements: Throughout the mosque, you can admire intricate tile work and beautiful calligraphy, reflecting the artistic heritage of different eras. * Expansive Complex: The mosque complex has grown significantly over time, now encompassing a vast area with multiple gates, courtyards, and educational facilities. Visitor Experience: * Cultural Immersion: Visiting Al-Azhar Mosque offers a deep immersion into Islamic culture and history. * Center of Peace: Many visitors find a sense of peace and tranquility within the mosque's serene atmosphere. * Educational Hub: It's a place where you can witness the ongoing pursuit of Islamic knowledge and scholarship. * Architectural Marvel: Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse styles and historical layers visible in the mosque's structure. In Conclusion: Al-Azhar Mosque is much more than just a place of worship; it is a living testament to Islamic history, a renowned center of learning, and an architectural marvel. A visit to this iconic mosque in Cairo offers a unique and enriching experience for anyone interested in culture, history, and spirituality. It's a must-see for those exploring the historical heart of Cairo.
Osama Muntaha

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Al-Hussain Sawlan الحسين صولان

Al-Hussain Sawlan الحسين صولان

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Al‑Azhar Mosque, founded around 970 CE by the Fatimid Caliphate, is one of Cairo’s oldest and most revered landmarks. Initially established as a Shiʿite mosque, it quickly evolved into Al‑Azhar University, now one of the world’s oldest universities and a leading center of Sunni Islamic scholarship. Nestled in the heart of Islamic Cairo near Khan el‑Khalili and other historic sites, Al‑Azhar is a cornerstone of Egypt’s spiritual and intellectual life. Its architecture is a stunning blend of Fatimid origins, Mamluk elegance, and Ottoman refinements, enriched by centuries of restoration and expansion. You enter through ornate gates into a grand courtyard of polished marble, framed by arcades and a central fountain—a peaceful oasis amid bustling Cairo. Surrounding minarets, each from a different era, add vertical harmony—three dating from Mamluk rule and two from later periods, each uniquely decorated. Inside the prayer hall, rich calligraphy, geometric mosaics, stucco carvings, and traditional mashrabiya screens combine to create a serene, meditative ambiance. The elegant mihrab and minbar are prime examples of Islamic artistry, rendered in marble, wood, and Arabic inscriptions. As the headquarters of Al‑Azhar University, the mosque’s role extends far beyond worship. For over a millennium, it has shaped Islamic theology, jurisprudence, literature, and interfaith dialogue. Its scholars and alumni are respected worldwide, and the university’s library safeguards thousands of precious manuscripts. Visiting now, you feel the layers of history—from Fatimid founding, through Mamluk expansions, to modern restoration—while sensing the mosque’s ongoing spiritual heartbeat. It welcomes worshippers and visitors with quiet dignity: dress modestly, observe peaceful reverence, and explore spaces where knowledge and faith have coexisted for a thousand years.
farooq khan

farooq khan

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