The founding of this extremely ancient mosque (970) coincides with the birth of El-Qahira (Cairo), which the Fatimids made their capital. It became the official Friday prayer place, and in the 15C was given two additional minarets (it has five altogether) by the Mamluk sultans. Explore the central courtyard, surrounded by columned porticos, and observe the original Fatimid stucco panels. Today, Al-Azhar, which houses several madrasas (Koranic schools), is the most famous centre for traditional teaching in the Arab world.