Al Azhar Mosque
The Al Azhar Mosque is located in Cairo, Egypt.
Who was the founder of the Al Azhar Mosque? And how ancient is it, exactly?
While there are hundreds of ancient mosques to visit in Cairo, none can rival Al-Azhar Mosque in terms of its historical significance and its place in the history of the Islamic faith. As a mosque devoted to both worship and study, it was built by the Fatimids about the year 970 AD. Over the years, it has grown into the world’s most prominent center of Islamic theology and scholarship.
Students from all over the globe come to Al-Azhar Mosque and the university that bears its name to study the history of Islam and the several schools of thought that regulate how the Koran is to be interpreted. It has been almost a thousand years since the mosque and university were established.
As a result of its inception, Al-Azhar University has always been a place where plurality may be found. The Al-Azhar University was founded by the Ismaili Shi’i Fatimid Dynasty in Egypt and later became a Sunni university under subsequent dynasties. However, despite the tensions that exist between these two different religions, Sunni and Shia’s scholars have worked, taught, and debated together at Al-Azhar for the majority of its history.
Today, it is considered a prominent moderating and regulatory authority for Islamic theology around the globe, earning the respect of its peers.
The building of the Al Azhar Mosque was divided into two phases:
The mosque itself has undergone several renovations and expansions over more than a thousand years of changing political landscapes and changes in political leadership. The distinct architectural styles of Al-five Azhar’s minarets provide testament to the many dynasties that ruled over the city over its history.
In addition to the gorgeous, white marble center court, which dates back to the mosque’s original construction, the structure has a huge covered prayer space as well as two madrassas, or religious schools, which are located on the second and third floors. The main courtyard of Azhar University served as a meeting place for students and teachers until the university grew and shifted its primary operations to a second campus in the northern section of the city. Arabic and Koranic interpretation sessions are still given in the courtyard today.
From the courtyard, you can also see the city’s three tallest minarets, which were erected in 1340, 1469, and 1510, respectively, and are the tallest in the world (from right to left if viewed from the courtyard). Sultan Al-Ghuri, who also constructed the neighboring Wikala Al-Ghuri and Al-Ghouriyya Complex, is credited with the construction of the 1510 minaret, which may be distinguished by its twin spires.
The following are some of the highlights of Islamic Cairo:
Al-Muizz Al-Deen Street is home to some of the most important sites in Islamic Cairo, including the Great Mosque of Al-Muizz Al-Deen. When it was first established in the 11th century, this street served as the city’s major thoroughfare, and it was also the site of the construction of mausoleums and palaces. The northern portion of the street (between Bab El-Fotouh and Al-Azhar Street) has just been renovated and reopened to the public for sightseeing. This is one of Cairo’s most gorgeous neighborhoods, and as a result, many people like spending their time here as well. The Qalawun Complex, which is located in this area, is one of the most spectacular sites in the city.
Some of Cairo’s most important Islamic monuments can be found in the southern section of the city, which is known as Islamic Cairo. Cairo’s Citadel is considered to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. The building of Cairo’s Citadel started in the 12th century under the leadership of the Ayyubid commander Salah Ad-Din Al Ayyubi. Three noteworthy mosques may be found inside the walls of the citadel, including the Al-Nasir Muhammed Mosque, the Suleyman Pasha Mosque, and the Muhammed Ali Alabaster Mosque, all of which are located within the walls of the citadel.
Azhar Park is a recent addition to Cairo’s Islamic quarter. Egyptian authorities recovered land that had been used as a dump for millennia in the 1990s and turned it into a park for the people of the city. With 74 acres of parking area, Azhar Park provides much-needed green space in a city with few green spaces. This stunning location provides excellent views of the city as well as well-landscaped grounds. You may always have a good time at the park since there is a café and a restaurant on the premises.
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