Al-Azhar Mosque

A historic mosque in Cairo founded by the Fatimid dynasty in 970–972. It became the principal mosque of Al-Azhar’s teaching and religious life.

Fatimid Caliphate: A Shiʿi Muslim dynasty that ruled North Africa and Egypt from 909 to 1171. The Fatimids founded Cairo and established the mosque as their new capital’s principal religious institution.
Madrasa: An educational institution devoted primarily to the study of Islamic religious sciences. The mosque’s teaching tradition shared functions with the wider institution of Islamic learning.
Al-Azhar University: An Egyptian Islamic university that developed from the teaching institution associated with Al-Azhar Mosque. The mosque’s teaching tradition became the foundation of a major university.
Al-Azhar Mosque courtyard: The open central courtyard of Al-Azhar Mosque, surrounded by arcades and prayer spaces. Its arcades preserve visible layers of the mosque’s architectural history.
Jawhar al-Siqilli: A Fatimid general who conquered Egypt and founded Cairo in 969. He initiated the construction of Al-Azhar Mosque soon after founding the city.
Halaqa: A study circle in which a teacher instructs students seated around them. Halaqas describe a traditional form of teaching practiced in mosque settings.
Al-Azhar: An Egyptian Islamic institution encompassing a mosque, university, and religious authorities. The mosque is the historic center of the larger institution bearing Al-Azhar’s name.
Al-Azhar Mosque minarets: The towers at Al-Azhar Mosque used for the call to prayer and as architectural landmarks. Their varied forms reflect additions made under different rulers.
Al-Hakim Mosque: A large Fatimid mosque in Cairo completed in 1013 under Caliph al-Hakim. It offers a nearby comparison for Fatimid monumental mosque architecture in Cairo.
Friday prayer: The congregational Muslim prayer held shortly after noon on Fridays. The mosque’s role as a major Cairo congregation centers on this weekly service.

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