Al-Azhar Mosque and Madrasa in the transition period from the Fatimids to the Mamluks

In Islamic history, the first institutions where scientific activities were carried out were mosques. When evaluated from a historical perspective due to geopolitical and administrative reasons, mosques stand out as one of the most important elements. Especially in the Middle Ages, every state established expressed its sectarian structure through mosques. Therefore, it is possible to analyze the traces of changes in sectarian practices through mosques, which are the most important elements of the period. A study was conducted on the Al-Azhar Mosque in order to analyze the transformations of changing practices. The study covers the establishment of the mosque during the Fatimid period and its aftermath, the process in the Ayyubid state and the first 50 years of the Mamluks. In this way, the practices of the Fatimids, who belonged to the Shiite sect, and the Ayyubids and Mamluks, who adopted the Sunni sect view, were compared. In addition, it was aimed to analyze the educational strategies adopted by these three states through the changes and transformations in the mosque. This study aims to understand the policies of the Ayyubid administration towards the Al-Azhar Mosque in particular. However, in order to address the issue in a holistic manner, the pre- and post-period periods of the mosque were also examined. In this study, which was conducted using content analysis and examination of various documents, care was taken to ensure the highest possible level of objectivity. It was understood that the Al-Azhar Mosque was never completely closed during the period examined, but that it assumed a less central role in some periods than in other periods. Although the Al-Azhar Mosque assumed a central role during the Fatimid period, it transferred this function to the madrasahs during the Ayyubid period, its educational activities and daily prayers continued as a mosque. In short, both the educational and worship functions of the mosque were not interrupted. With the establishment of the educational system during the Mamluk period, the obstacles to the mosque returning to its central role were removed and the Al-Azhar Mosque began to become the main educational institution of the region once again.