Al-Azhar Mosque

جامع الأزهر

One of the oldest and most prestigious mosques in Cairo, founded in 970 CE and housing the renowned Al-Azhar University, a center of Islamic learning for over a thousand years with stunning architectural features. The mosque's intricate Islamic design, courtyard, and minaret exemplify the beauty of Islamic Cairo architecture and remain an active center of worship and education.

Things to do

• Explore the Main Prayer Hall — Walk through the magnificent prayer hall with its forest of marble columns and ornate ceiling decorated with geometric Islamic patterns and calligraphy.
• Visit the Central Courtyard — Stroll through the serene open courtyard (sahn) surrounded by arcaded porticos, where ablutions are performed and students gather.
• Climb the Qaitbay Minaret — Ascend the ornate 15th-century minaret built by Sultan Qaitbay to enjoy panoramic views of Islamic Cairo and beyond.
• Attend a Prayer Session — Experience the spiritual atmosphere by observing or participating in one of the five daily prayers, respecting designated areas for visitors.
• Study Quranic Calligraphy — Examine the intricate Quranic inscriptions and artistic calligraphy adorning the walls, ceilings, and mihrab that showcase centuries of Islamic artistic tradition.
• Tour Al-Azhar University Courtyards — Visit the adjacent university buildings to see where Islamic scholars have studied theology, jurisprudence, and Islamic sciences for over a millennium.

Food to try

• Koshari — A beloved Egyptian street food combining lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with zesty tomato and vinegar sauce, sold by vendors throughout Islamic Cairo.
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, traditionally eaten for breakfast in nearby cafés near the mosque.
• Ta'ameya — Egyptian-style falafel made from fava beans rather than chickpeas, served warm in pita bread with tahini sauce at local vendors around the area.
• Basboosa — A sweet coconut and semolina cake soaked in simple syrup and topped with a pine nut, commonly sold at nearby bakeries and pastry shops.
• Mint Tea at a Traditional Café — Enjoy fresh Egyptian mint tea (shai bi'na'ana) at a historic café in Khan el-Khalili bazaar, minutes away from the mosque.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully — Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf to cover their hair before entering the prayer hall.
• Remove Shoes Before Entering — Always remove your shoes before stepping on the prayer carpet and carpeted areas; designated shoe racks are provided at entrances.
• Respect Prayer Times — Plan your visit around the five daily prayer times when sections of the mosque may be closed to tourists; early morning or late afternoon visits are often less crowded.
• Photography Etiquette — Ask permission before photographing worshippers or during prayer times, and avoid pointing cameras at people engaged in prayer.