Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque, differently known as Azhar mosque and mosque Al Azhar was built between 970 AD and 972 AD. The mosque is situated in the present capital city of Egypt, Cairo. This Egypt mosque was built under the orders of Gohar As-Saqlabi. It was under his commandment, that Egypt was taken over by the Mu' izz li- Din illah, the first of the Fatamids Khalifa. The style of the mosque is considered to be Fatimid type. Many are of the opinion that the Mosque was named to commemorate Fatima Az-Zahira, the daughter of the Prophet. The Al Azhar mosque was finished on the occasion of Ramadan on 361 H or the Muslim year.

The Al-Azhar mosque had a very organized planning of the layout of the entire structure. The mosque complex comprised an open court along with three hallways. The largest of the three hallways is a sanctuary and it is about five aisles deep. The mosque originally consisted of three domes of which two are now completely destroyed.

The Al-Azhar mosque had undergone significant additions during the 15th century, when Sultan Qayt Bay ordered the same. The additions included large hallways, which were positioned behind the Mirhab and also a new roof and floor.

Also a dome, the Bah Al Shurba, Bab As- Saaida entrance, a wooden mirhab and a marble enveloped Mirhab were part of the new constructions.