Al- Azhar Mosque, Cairo is located in the El Hussein Square and was designed by Fatimid general Jawhar El-Sequili. The mosque came into existence in 972 and is one of the earliest religious sites in Cairo. Mostly the architecture that is reflected in the Al- Azhar Mosque, Cairo imitates the traits of the Amr Ibn El-As and Ibn Tulun mosques.
The Al- Azhar Mosque, Cairo was a venue for the gatherings and meetings of the Shi'a students. It was during the regime of Yaqoub Ibn Cals that the mosque became a teaching institute and Eversince it has remained an important educational institute. It is now the one of the oldest universities in the world and the first lecture sessions here were given in AD 974. Keeping in mind the tradition of education associated with this mosque in Cairo, a university has come up just outside its premise. Today this is the most prestigious institute.
Here in this Muslim school traditional lessons are imparted. The main arena of the mosque is now reserved for religious prayers only. It is recorded that in the olden days about ten thousand students studied here. However today, classes are held in the school that is built adjacent to the Al- Azhar Mosque, Cairo. To give the students a broader and better perspective besides religious studies, knowledge about medicine, science and languages have also been introduced.
Abdarrahman Khesheda renovated it and therefore many later Muslim architectural styles were incorporated in the mosques’ structure too. Here at the Al- Azhar Mosque, Cairo you will get to see five minarets that are finely carved. Another fascinating trademark of the structure is the presence of balconies and strong columns. There are six entrances of which the main entrance is fashioned like the 18th century Bab el-Muzayini (barber's gate).
Like some of the other mosques in Cairo this too has a courtyard. From 1340 the mosque began to house a library, which is still functional on occasions. Situated on the right hand side of the courtyard is the Taybarsiya Medersa, which was built in 1310. Here is seated a delicately carved Mihrab. The Qaitbay Entrance was built in 1469 and its specialty is the minaret built on top. Porticos and marble columns adorn the courtyard, impeccably. To the east of the courtyard is the prayer hall. Another significant aspect feature in the Al- Azhar Mosque is the Kufic inscription on the interior of the Mihrab.
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