Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque

The Al-Azhar Mosque in Egypt is located in the Old City of Cairo. It was first built on April 2, 970 AD, and after two years of construction, the first prayer service was held on the 17th day of Ramadan in 972 AD. The mosque was named “Al-Azhar” in honor of Fatima al-Zahra (meaning the Radiant Fatima), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. At that time, the area was filled with blooming flowers and houses, and locals called it “Al-Azhar.”

Since the day it was built, the tall and bright minarets of the Al-Azhar Mosque have become a landmark of the Cairo area and a guiding light for Muslims. The artistic style of the Al-Azhar Mosque stands out among the world’s architectural wonders, blending the architectural essences of various Egyptian ethnic groups. It is a crystallization of Arab-Islamic architectural art, reflecting the ingenious craftsmanship and unique aesthetic vision of Egyptian architects.

The Al-Azhar Mosque standing in Cairo today is not the original structure but the result of continuous expansions over various historical periods. The mosque covers an area of 12,000 square meters, with a spacious courtyard surrounded by halls on three sides. The eastern hall is the largest, consisting of five aisles; the northern and southern halls each have two aisles. On the right side of the main gate of the courtyard stands a minaret built in 1469, next to which is a twin minaret constructed in 1514 — the most magnificent and beautiful minaret of the mosque. The Al-Azhar Mosque has a total of five minarets, each with a distinct architectural style, also bearing the historical imprints of different eras of construction.

Since its establishment, the Al-Azhar Mosque has placed great emphasis on education. In 988 AD, Caliph Al-Aziz built its affiliated institution, the “Madrasa,” the predecessor of today’s Al-Azhar University, which is the oldest existing higher education institution in the Islamic world. The tradition of university graduates wearing black robes originates here — aren’t the graduation gowns of students from around the world reminiscent of the flowing robes worn by Islamic scholars who “graduated” from Al-Azhar?

Al-Azhar Mosque

Must-visit reason: One of the world’s most famous Islamic-style buildings

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Egypt[Egypt]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate]

City where the attraction is located: Cairo [Cairo]