We all know that Egypt is one of the oldest historical countries and cultures, and it has the oldest monuments and places with the oldest culture. We all know Egypt, which was also called Mishra. You should know that the history of Egypt is very old.
Egypt was an important religious center for Christians, and then became an important center of Islam in the seventh century. After becoming an Islamic center, today’s World Heritage Site also developed there, such as today’s Jami’ al-Azhar mosque. Simply put, it is called al-Azhar in Egypt.
History and significance
Al-Azhar Mosque is an important Islamic center in Cairo, Egypt. When the new capital of the Fatimid Caliphate was built in 970, the first mosque was built in the city, which was then known as the “city of a thousand minarets”. And then in 972, after seeing its dedication, it was further developed, which we see today. If you look at it, the mosque was built by al-Azhar.
Jawahar gives the order, the work begins on 4 April 970 and is completed in 972. The mosque is mainly in the limestone formation. The mosque was not further developed during the reign of al-Aziz Billah of the Caliphate. After that, al-Hakim bi Amr Allah continued the renovation work from 996 to 1021. Thus, its development began in the Ayyubid dynasty.
Al Azhar was not only a mosque but also an educational hub and university. It came to an end after the Fatimid period. The mosque was an important centre for great learning and knowledge. The minarets of Jami al Azhar are called the minarets of Qaytbay. It was built in 1483 and thus replaced an old Fatimid brick minaret.
Present Structure
The present structure has the main entrance, Bab al-Muzayinin, opening into a white marble paved courtyard opposite the main prayer hall. To the northeast of Bab al-Muzayinin, the courtyard is flanked by the facade of the Madrasa al -al-Aqbughawiyya; the southwestern end of the courtyard leads to the Madrasa al-Taybarsiyya. Directly across the courtyard from the entrance to the Bab al-Muzayinin is Bab al-Gindi -Gindi built in 1495, above which stands the minaret of Qaytbay.
Through this gate lies the courtyard of the prayer hall. The mihrab has recently been changed to a plain marble facing with a golden pattern. Thus, Al Azhar still stands today with its history and grandeur.
Conclusion
Thus, even today, such monuments stand with the knowledge and wisdom of their history. Jami al Azhar Mosque was considered a cultural heritage and was given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This is a mosque in Egypt that has special importance in Islam, and it is also becoming a historical and religious center of Islam.
Also Read:
- Islamic Center of Rochester (ICR) | Community & Worship Hub
- Masjid I Imam – History, Architecture & More
- Stari Most – The Iconic Bridge of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Rudra
Rudra Vala is a PhD researcher in architecture with academic roots at MSU Baroda and current work at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.