Initially dedicated to the practice of Shiite Islam, the al-Azhar Mosque is almost as old as Cairo itself. It was commissioned in 970 by the Fatimid caliph al-Mu’izz, and was the first of the many mosques in the city. As the oldest Fatimid monument in Egypt, its historical significance is immeasurable. It is also recognized worldwide as a place of Islamic learning and is synonymous with the highly influential al-Azhar University.
The history of the mosque
In 969, Egypt was conquered by General Jawhar as-Siqili, acting under the orders of the Fatimid caliph al-Mu’izz. Al-Mu’izz celebrated his new lands by founding a city whose name was translated as “Victory of al-Mu’izz.” This city would one day be known as Cairo. A year later, al-Mu’izz ordered the construction of the city’s first mosque: al-Azhar. Completed in just two years, the mosque was first opened for prayers in 972.
In Arabic, the name Al-Azhar means “mosque of the most resplendent.” Legend has it that this poetic nickname is not an allusion to the beauty of the mosque itself, but to Fatima, the daughter of the prophet Muhammad. Fatimah was known by the epithet “az-Zahra”, which means “the bright or resplendent.” Although this theory is not confirmed, it is plausible: after all, Caliph al-Mu’izz claimed that Fatimah was one of his ancestors.
In 989, the mosque appointed 35 scholars, who settled near their new workplace. Its purpose was to spread Shiite teachings, and over time the mosque became a full-fledged university. Famous throughout the Islamic Empire, students traveled from around the world to study at Al-Azhar. Today, it is the second oldest university in the world and continues to be one of the leading centers for Islamic studies.
The mosque today
The mosque gained its status as an independent university in 1961, and it now teaches modern disciplines including medicine and science alongside religious studies. Interestingly, while the original Fatimid Caliphate built Al-Azhar as a Shiite worship center, it has become the world’s foremost authority on Sunni theology and law. Classes are now held in buildings constructed around the mosque, leaving Al-Azhar in uninterrupted prayer.
Over the course of the last millennium, Al-Azhar has seen many expansions, renovations and restorations. The result today is a rich tapestry of different styles that together represent the evolution of architecture in Egypt. Many of the most influential civilizations in the world have left their mark on the mosque. The five existing minarets, for example, are relics of different dynasties, including those of the Mamluk Sultanate and the Ottoman Empire.
The original minaret is gone, a fate shared by most of the mosque’s original architecture, save for the arcades and some of the ornate stucco decorations. Today, the mosque has no less than six entrances. Visitors enter through Barber’s Gate, an 18th-century addition so named because students once shaved under its portal. The door opens onto a white marble courtyard, which is one of the oldest parts of the mosque.
From the courtyard, you can see three of the mosque’s minarets. These were built in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries respectively. Visitors can enter the adjacent prayer hall, which houses a very fine mihrab , the semi-circular niche carved into the wall of each mosque to indicate the direction of Mecca. Much of the mosque is closed to tourists, including its magnificent library, which houses volumes dating back to the 8th century.
Practical information
The Al-Azhar Mosque is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, in the El-Darb El-Ahmar district. Admission is free and the mosque is open throughout the day. It is important to be respectful at all times inside the mosque. Women should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, and should wear a scarf or veil over their hair. Visitors of both genders must remove their shoes before entering. Expect to tip the men who take care of your shoes upon your return.
NB: Please note that the information in this article was correct at the time of writing, but is subject to change at any time.
