Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo: A Tourist's Guide

Al Azhar mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Cairo, Egypt. The Mosque was built in the 10th century by the orders of the Fatimid Caliph Sultan al-Muizz li Din Allah, who commissioned its construction to mark the site of his new capital, Cairo.

The Mosque was initially intended to serve as a learning centre for the Fatimid Caliphate. It soon became one of the leading institutions of Sunni Islamic scholarship worldwide. Since then, it has been remodelled several times and become a major centre of Islamic learning, and it has a university attached to it.

The University attached to it is the Al Azhar University, a Sunni Islamic institution of higher learning located in Islamic Cairo, Egypt. Founded in 970 CE, it is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.

The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including Islamic studies, Arabic literature, Egyptian history, and comparative religion.

The Mosque has been a centre of Islamic learning for over a thousand years, and it continues to play a significant role in the intellectual life of the Muslim world.

This guide will explain the architecture of the Al-Azhar Mosque. It will also attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, such as: What is the best time to visit? What are the entrance fees? What should I wear? - and more.

Architecture

The Mosque is built in the Fatimid style of architecture. The Mosque has a large courtyard with a fountain in the centre. The Mosque has five minarets and a large dome and can accommodate over 20,000 people.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Visit?

There are many reasons to visit the al-Azhar Mosque. Here are just five of them:

1. To see one of the oldest mosques in the world: The al-Azhar Mosque is over 1,000 years old. It is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering and a beautiful sight to behold.
2. To learn about Islam: The al-Azhar Mosque is a worship and learning centre. If you are interested in learning about Islam, there is no better place than the al-Azhar Mosque.
3. To experience Egyptian culture: Cairo has a rich and vibrant culture, and the al-Azhar Mosque is a great way to experience it. From the moment you step inside the Mosque, you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Egyptian culture.
4. To meet people from all over the world: The al-Azhar Mosque is where people from all over the world come to worship and learn. You will have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and make some new friends.
5. To see a piece of history: The al-Azhar Mosque is a living piece. It is a reminder of Islam's long and rich history and a place where you can feel the presence of the past.

Who Will Enjoy the Mosque?

Here are some different types of tourists that will enjoy visiting The Mosque of al-Azhar.

• History Buffs
  For history buffs, the al-Azhar Mosque is a must-see. The Mosque is one of the oldest in the world and is considered a key site in the development of Islamic architecture. The Mosque was built in the 10th century and has been expanded and renovated several times. The Mosque is also significant for its role in the intellectual and spiritual life of the Muslim world. The Mosque houses a renowned university, which has produced some of the most influential Islamic scholars.
• Architecture Lovers
  The al-Azhar Mosque is a treat for architecture lovers. The Mosque is an excellent example of Islamic/Fatimid architecture, and its design has been influential for centuries. The Mosque is built of brick and stone and is decorated with intricate patterns. The main prayer hall is covered by a massive dome supported by an impressive network of arches.
• Culture Vultures
  The al-Azhar Mosque is an excellent place for cultural vultures to visit. The Mosque is a centre of Islamic learning, and its library houses one of the world's most important collections of Islamic texts.
• Peace Seekers
  The al-Azhar Mosque is a place of peace and tranquillity. The Mosque is located in the heart of Cairo, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The mosque grounds are beautiful, and the atmosphere is serene. Visitors can find peace and reflection in the Mosque's prayer halls.

What's the Best Time to Visit Cairo?

The best time to visit the al-Azhar Mosque is during the holy month of Ramadan. This is when the Mosque is at its busiest and most vibrant, with worshippers worldwide coming to pray and celebrate. The atmosphere is electric, and the sense of community is strong.

How to get to Al-Azhar Mosque?

The most common way to get to al-Azhar mosque is by taxi. Taxis are plentiful in Cairo and relatively inexpensive. The journey by taxi from Cairo International Airport to al-Azhar mosque takes around 40 minutes and costs around 150 EGP (Egyptian Pounds).

Another way to get to al-Azhar mosque is by subway. The Cairo Metro is a modern and efficient subway system. The journey from Cairo International Airport to al-Azhar mosque by subway takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around 5 EGP (Egyptian Pounds).

If you are staying in a hotel in Cairo, you can probably arrange a hotel shuttle to take you to Al-Azhar mosque. This is usually a free service provided by the hotel.

Finally, if you feel adventurous, you can always try to flag down a "service" or "shared" taxi. These are the old-style Mercedes Benz taxis that seat up to 6 people. They are cheaper than regular taxis, but the journey can be chaotic.

Note: Fees are subject to change without prior notice.

How much does it cost to visit The al-Azhar Mosque, and when is it open?

The Mosque is open to visitors worldwide from sunrise to sunset, and there is no entrance fee.

What is the Recommended Dress Code?

Visitors to the Mosque are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. This means that men should wear loose-fitting, long pants and shirts that cover the chest and shoulders.

Women should wear loose-fitting, long dresses or skirts that cover the arms, legs, and chest. Headscarves are not required, but they are recommended.

How Fit Do I Need to Be?

If you want to visit the al-Azhar Mosque, you should have a basic fitness level. This means you should be able to walk for long periods and climb stairs. If you have any medical conditions that may limit your ability to do these things, you should consult your doctor before visiting the Mosque.

Is it Safe to visit?

The answer to this question is complicated. On the one hand, the Mosque is generally safe. There have been no major terrorist attacks on the Mosque in recent years. And while Egypt has been going through political and social turmoil, the Mosque has remained largely unaffected.

What Safety Recommendation Should I Take?

If you're considering visiting the al-Azhar Mosque, you should keep a few things in mind.

First, be aware of the current security situation in Egypt. While the Mosque itself is well-protected, the surrounding area is not. There have been some sectarian incidents in Cairo recently, so it's important to be vigilant.

Second, dress conservatively. The Mosque is a place of worship, and visitors should respect the dress code. This means no shorts or tank tops for women and no shorts or sleeveless shirts for men.

Finally, be respectful. The al-Azhar Mosque is a holy site for Muslims and should be treated respectfully. This means no loud talking, no photography, and no smoking.

Following these guidelines, you should have no problem visiting the al-Azhar Mosque. It's a beautiful and historic site that is well worth a visit.

What Souvenirs Can I Buy in Islamic Cairo?

Some of the most popular souvenirs that you can buy around the al-Azhar Mosque include:

• Prayer beads: Prayer beads are a popular souvenir for people of all faiths. They are often used to help count the number of times a person prays.
• Hijabs: The hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women. It is a symbol of modesty and is required to be worn by women in many Islamic countries.
• Islamic books: Many Islamic books are available around the al-Azhar Mosque. These include books on the Quran, Hadith, and other Islamic topics.
• Arabic calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful art form popular in many Islamic countries. You can find various Arabic calligraphy items for sale around the al-Azhar Mosque.
• Islamic clothing: Islamic clothing is available for men and women. This type of clothing is often loose-fitting and covers the body from head to toe.
• Islamic art: Many types of Islamic art are available at shops around the al-Azhar Mosque. This includes paintings, sculptures, and other types of artwork.
• Egyptian souvenirs: The al-Azhar Mosque is in Cairo, Egypt. As such, many traditional Egyptian souvenirs are available in the area of the Mosque. This includes items such as pyramids, Sphinxes, and other Egyptian-themed items.

What Activities Are There?

There are several popular activities that you can do at the al-Azhar Mosque. These include:

• Praying: The Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, and you can join the many worshippers who come here to pray. The main prayer hall is in the middle of the Mosque, surrounded by several smaller prayer rooms.
• Learning: The Mosque is home to several Islamic scholars; you can learn from them. The Mosque also has a library containing a wealth of Islamic literature.
• Sightseeing: The Mosque is beautiful, and you can enjoy its architecture and decoration. The Mosque also has several gardens, which are perfect for relaxing.
• Shopping: Several shops around the Mosque sell Islamic items.
• Eating: Several restaurants and cafes around the Mosque serve Egyptian and Islamic cuisine.
• Socializing: The Mosque is a great place to meet people and socialize. You can meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultures.
• Relaxing: The Mosque is peaceful; you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
• Exploring: The Mosque is located in the heart of Cairo, and you can explore the city here. There are several historical and cultural attractions located nearby.
• Photography: The Mosque is a popular subject for photographers; you can take some amazing photos here.
• Worshipping: The Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, and you can join the many worshippers who come here to pray.

Any Tips?

Today, the al-Azhar Mosque is a popular tourist destination with millions of yearly visitors. If you're planning on visiting the Mosque, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

• Dress conservatively. The Mosque is a place of worship, and visitors are expected to dress accordingly. This means covering your arms and legs and avoiding clothes that are too tight or revealing.
• Remove your shoes. Before entering the Mosque, you'll need to remove your shoes. You can leave them at the entrance or in the storage areas provided.
• Be respectful. When inside the Mosque, be respectful of those who are praying. This means not walking in front of them and avoiding loud noises.
• Take a tour. The al-Azhar Mosque offers tours for visitors. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the Mosque and to see some of the most important areas.
• Shop in the souk. The al-Azhar Mosque is in the heart of Cairo's historic Islamic district. This area is home to several souks (markets), where you can find everything from spices to souvenirs.
• Eat at a local restaurant. After a long day of sightseeing, you'll likely be hungry. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to eat around the Mosque. From street food to sit-down restaurants, you'll find something to suit your taste and budget.

Following these tips will help you make the most of your visit to the al-Azhar Mosque. With its beautiful architecture and rich history, the Mosque is a truly impressive sight and a must-see for anyone visiting Cairo.