How did Al-Azhar begin as a Fatimid institution?

Al-Azhar began as a central institution of the Fatimid dynasty following their conquest of Egypt in 969 CE. Built in the newly established capital of Cairo, it was originally constructed as a jāmiʿ, or assembly mosque, by a Fatimid general.12

The institution was named after Fāṭimah al-Zahrāʾ—the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad—from whom the dynasty derived its name. While construction likely began around 970 CE, the mosque opened to the public in 972 CE and was formally organized as an Ismāʿīlī center of learning in 988 CE.12

As a key component of the Fatimid state, Al-Azhar served as a seminary to train missionaries and provide instruction in Ismāʿīlī doctrine. This mission was central to the Fatimid regime’s broader strategy to challenge the Sunni Abbasid order and establish their own universal caliphate.2