🕌 Al-Azhar Mosque
Egypt
About This Sacred Site
Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, founded in 970 CE by the Fatimid dynasty, is one of the most important mosques in the Islamic world. It houses Al-Azhar University, widely considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world, which has been the foremost center of Sunni Islamic learning for over a millennium. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar is regarded as one of the highest authorities in Sunni Islam. The mosque's architecture spans multiple periods, with Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman additions creating a layered history of Islamic art. Thousands of students from across the Muslim world still study Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and Arabic here.
Key Facts
- •Al-Azhar University, founded in 975 CE, is considered the world's oldest operating university
- •The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar is one of the highest authorities in Sunni Islam
- •Founded by the Fatimid dynasty in 970 CE, just one year after Cairo itself was established
- •The name 'Al-Azhar' (The Radiant) honors Fatimah al-Zahra, daughter of Prophet Muhammad
- •Students from over 100 countries study Islamic sciences here today
Location
Coordinates: 30.0456, 31.2627
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