ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE - Pharos University in Alexandria

Fatimid Architecture
Monuments :
The Fatimid History of al-Azhar Mosque
970: Jawhar al-Siqilli, the commander of
the Fatimid army, lays its foundation.
972: First Friday prayer held at mosque.
988: First organized teaching at al-
Azhar, 35 scholars are house and paid
by the Fatimid state.
Characteristics of Fatimid mosques
•The use of projected portals and
domes over mihrabs for ceremonial
purposes.
•The use of keel-shaped arches in
porticoes and arcades.
•The wealth of fine stucco decoration.
•The dependence on iconographic
inscriptions, especially on the entrance
facade