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Al Azhar Mosque is situated in Cairo and is famous for being a place of education for Sunni Muslims. It was built around the 10th century AD and is based on Islamic architecture. The mosque contains five minarets and can house around twenty thousand devotees at a time. It holds historical significance and is spread over a hundred thousand square feet. Over numerous decades, the mosque’s area has been expanded, and some of its original parts can still be seen. It became a centre for offering Islamic education and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Quick Details
Built Around: 972 AD
Address: Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: April to November
Time Duration: 2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Ramses Railway Station
Location
Photo: Raduasandei / Wikimedia Commons
The mosque is situated in the El Gamaliya neighbourhood, which lies near the Al-Darb Al-Ahmar. The mosque comes under the Cairo Governorate of Egypt. Near the mosque, there are various attractions like Al Azhar Park and Al Hakim Mosque, both of which are must-visit places.
How To Reach
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to the mosque is Cairo International Airport, which lies around twenty kilometres from the mosque.
By Train: The Ramses Railway Station is situated near the mosque. It is located almost five kilometres from the railway station.
By Road: The Al-Darrasah bus station is located one kilometre away from the mosque. You can reach the mosque by taxi and private vehicle too.
Things To Do
1. Learn About The Mosque’s History
Photo: R Prazeres / Wikimedia Commons
Al Azhar Mosque was built in the 10th century AD by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah. It is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Cairo. The mosque is named after Fatimah Al-Zahra, Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, and was initially established as a place of worship and teaching. Around 975 AD, with the creation of Al Azhar University, it became a centre of Islamic learning and is one of the oldest universities to exist in the world. Over the centuries, themosque underwent many renovations and expansions and today.
2. Admire The Architecture Of The Mosque
Photo: Ahmedalbadawy / Wikimedia Commons
Al Azhar Mosque’s architecture is a stunning blend of various styles reflecting the centuries of Islamic history. Its original design featured a rectangular prayer hall and an open courtyard. Over time, the Mamluk and Ottoman rulers enhanced and expanded the mosque. Its five distinctive minarets, adorned with intricate carvings, showcase different periods of craftsmanship. The mosque features elegant arches and Kufic inscriptions. Its vast twelve thousand square metre layout includes a courtyard surrounded by arcades. This architectural masterpiece blends Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman elements, representing Egypt’s evolved Islamic art and design.
Places To Visit Near Al Azhar Mosque
1. Ibn Tulun Mosque
Photo: User:Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
The Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of the oldest mosques to exist in Egypt. Whose original architecture can still be seen at present. In terms of area, the mosque is known to be the largest in the city, covering an area above twenty-six thousand square metres. The structure of the Ibn Tulun Mosque is built around a courtyard that allows sun rays to travel through. It is a recognised world heritage site and opened to the public in 884 AD. The mosque has been mentioned in a few movies and is built in a busy area of the city.
Location: Al Sayeda Zeinab, Egypt
Distance From The Mosque: 4 km
2. Muhammad Ali Mosque
Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons
The Muhammad Ali Mosque contains a mix of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. It was built in the mid-19th century AD and has two stunning minarets. The mosque can house ten thousand people at a time and occupies an area of five thousand square metres. The Muhammad Ali Mosque is also known as the Alabaster Mosque, as some of its walls are covered in alabaster. The mosque was constructed by Muhammad Ali, an Ottoman governor, as a part of the Cairo Citadel. It consists of breathtaking ornate carvings and houses the tomb of Muhammad Ali.
Location: Al Khalifa, Egypt
Distance From The Mosque: 3 km
3. Al Nour Mosque
Photo: akirEVarga / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Al Nour Mosque is one of the largest mosques present in Cairo, which also serves as a historic landmark. Its interior area consists of five thousand square metres and has many multi-purpose halls. Here workshops for art are organised, and it hosts as a centre for Quranic memorisation. The Al Nour Mosque has a library, conference hall, medical facility, etc. It was built in 1970 on the land provided by the Salafi organisation during the reign of the third president of Egypt, Anwar Sadat. It is located just one hundred sixty metres away from the Al Nour bus stop.
Location: Abbassia, Egypt
Distance From The Mosque: 6 km
4. Abdeen Palace Museum
Photo: Gary Bembridge / Wikimedia Commons
Abdeen Palace Museum showcases the royalty of Mohammad Ali Pasha’s dynasty and is among the most popular palaces to exist in Cairo. The palace is named after an Egyptian commander, Abidin Bey al-Arnaut, who was also a famous politician. It has European architecture and was made by a French architect. The palace was built to showcase modern Cairo and has many antique items. There are different floors allocated for different purposes in this palace museum. Its construction was completed in 1874 AD and contains five hundred rooms. The palace opens to the public from 9 AM to 3 PM around afternoon.
Location: Rahbat Abdin, Egypt
Distance From The Mosque: 3 km
5. Al Hakim Mosque
Photo: Wael Mostafa / Wikimedia Commons
Al Hakim Mosque covers an area of 13,560 square meters and showcases an astonishing example of Fatimid architecture. Its construction started in 990 AD and was completed in 1013 AD. The mosque is named after Caliph Al Azharbi-Amr Allah and features a courtyard, two minarets, and grand arches. The walls of the Al Hakim Mosque have impressive designs and Kufic inscriptions on them. It was originally a fort and is considered among the largest mosques in Cairo. The Al Hakim Mosque serves as a cultural landmark and has a large prayer space.
Location: Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi Street, Egypt
Distance From The Mosque: 2 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Santeri Viinamäki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The city has beautiful surroundings and is filled with historic structures. There are many hotels located in Cairo that lie just a few minutes away from the mosque. They provide you with various amenities, which ensure a comfortable stay. Some of those hotels are El Hussein, Paradise Boutique, Safary, and Cairo View.
Where To Eat
Photo: Mahmoud Fawzy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
In the nearby area of the mosque, there are many eateries that you can try. Whether you are looking for Syrian cuisine or Egyptian food items, Cairo has something for everyone. A few of the restaurants that you can try here are Zeeyara, Salt of Earth, Farahat Grill, El Azhar Kababgy, and Kazaz.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- During the non-praying hours, tourists can enter the Al Azhar Mosque for a tour. However, access to some areas might be off-limits.
- Visitors are allowed to capture the beauty of the mosque with their digital cameras while maintaining the tranquillity of the mosque.
- Both men and women are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothes that cover their knees, hair, and shoulders.
Al Azhar Mosque is a perfect blend of history as well as architectural beauty and is considered among the oldest Islamic universities to exist in the present world. The mosque is a symbol of the spiritual and educational heritage of Egypt. Its stunning minarets, grand courtyard, and rich history attract visitors from around the globe. Plan your trip with TripXL for an unforgettable, serene experience at this iconic landmark of Cairo.
Cover Photo: hemro / Shutterstock
