Al-Azhar Mosque, Islamic prayer center in Islamic Cairo, Egypt
The mosque features five minarets, multiple prayer halls, and a central courtyard surrounded by arcaded walkways with pointed arches and marble columns.
Founded in 970 as part of the Fatimid capital city, Al-Azhar Mosque served as the foundation for what later became one of the world's oldest universities.
The mosque functions as both a religious institution and an educational center, maintaining its position as the primary authority for Sunni Islamic teachings in Egypt.
The mosque opens daily for prayers and visits, with separate entrances for worshippers and tourists located on Al-Azhar Street in Islamic Cairo.
The mosque contains architectural elements from multiple periods, including Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman dynasties, spanning over ten centuries of modifications.
Location: Cairo Governorate
Location: Cairo
Inception: 971
Founders: Jawhar al-Siqilli
Architectural style: Islamic architecture
Capacity: 20000
GPS coordinates: 30.04573,31.26270
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:30
Cairo is home to millennia of history. The Giza Pyramids, built between 2686 and 2494 BC, stand alongside Fatimid mosques like the Ibn Tulun Mosque from 879, and Mamluk fortifications such as Saladin's Citadel from the 12th century. Religious heritage reflects community diversity: Saint Serge Church dates to the 4th century, while Sainte-Marie Church from the 7th century reuses elements of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The Cairo Museum, opened in 1902, displays over 120,000 archaeological artifacts including Tutankhamun’s burial mask. Khan Al-Khalili market, established in 1382, continues traditional trade along its alleys lined with spice and craft shops. The Gayer Anderson House exemplifies 16th-century Ottoman residential architecture. These sites span Egypt’s history from pharaonic antiquity to the Ottoman period.
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