Al-Azhar Restoration and Development

The Largest-Ever Project for Al-Azhar Restoration

In September 2014, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, became aware of the need for a full-scale restoration of Al-Azhar, encompassing both the Mosque and its academic institutions. This realization was prompted by thorough technical reports developed by UNESCO experts. King Abdullah ordered to immediately study the project, directing his assistants to conduct an on-site evaluation of Al-Azhar’s needs and commence the restoration work. Driven by a desire for divine reward, King Abdullah kept this magnificent work hidden from the public. It was only after his passing that this project was unveiled to the world.

King Abdullah’s support for Al-Azhar extended beyond the physical restoration, as he generously funded multiple development projects for Al-Azhar. In accordance with the official order, the company implementing restoration and development initiated an investigation into the underground water levels by conducting groundwater probes. This preliminary step preceded the commencement of restoration work. Subsequently, the company proceeded with the restoration work, adhering to the most stringent standards prescribed for the preservation of historical sites. In addition, the company created the engineering blueprints for the new structures. This significant undertaking is unprecedented in the annals of Al-Azhar, marking the most extensive restoration and development effort in its over millennium-long history.

Al-Azhar’s Islamic Influence

Established in 359 AH (970 AD), Al-Azhar Mosque is widely recognized as the most important Islamic institution, both spiritually and academically, within Egypt and across the Muslim world. Al-Azhar has undergone numerous restoration, expansion and development projects throughout its over millennium-long history. However, the restoration project initiated by late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is unparalleled in terms of scale and comprehensiveness. The restoration project, implemented by engineers and experts, aims to return Al-Azhar to its pre-damaged state as a historical landmark. Employing cutting-edge surveying and photogrammetric imaging technology, the project is dedicated to preserving the original archaeological essence of Al-Azhar unaltered.

This project encompasses restoration, rehabilitation, and new construction projects across multiple Al-Azhar sites in Egypt.

Restoration Projects

The restoration project consists of four key phases, and seeks to develop and restore Al-Azhar and rehabilitate its buildings and auxiliary facilities. It is divided into:

Al-Azhar Mosque Restoration

It involves meticulous restoration work, stone analysis, archaeological documentation, and the meticulous revival of Islamic art elements, inscriptions, wooden windows and mashrabiyas. Additionally, the project includes restoration of the Mosque’s exterior and interior stone facades, including minarets, and the rehabilitation of the Mosque floors, along with those of the three attached schools (Madrasa al-Gawhariyya, Madrasa al-Taybarsiya, and Madrasa al-Aqbughawiyah), using materials identical to Masjid al-Haram (the Great Mosque of Mecca). The project encompasses overall site management for the Mosque, including relocating old restrooms to a position that will not hinder the sightlines of historical buildings and their decorative facades. Additionally, the project involves constructing external rainwater and sewage systems, upgrading services like indoor and outdoor lighting, television transmission, internal audio, and fire safety, and replacing the outdated electrical system with a modern system suitable for the Mosque and its religious rituals.

Rehabilitation of Old Al-Azhar Sheikhdom to house the Council of Senior Scholars

The project entails a full internal and external restoration of the five-storey building, as well as reorganizing certain interior areas.

Restoration of Existing Dormitory Complex of Islamic Foreign Students

The project involves construction of seven new residential buildings in the existing Dormitory Complex. This expansion will boost the Complex’s student capacity from 450 to 1,750, accommodating both male and female students (four buildings for boys, three for girls), with a service building and a mosque, in addition to upgrading the existing water networks and site works with a building area of ​​28,800 m2.

Construction Projects

Construction of New Dormitory Complex of Islamic Foreign Students

This 172-acre Complex is designed to eventually house approximately 35,000 students, with a male-to-female ratio of 85 to 15. The project entails construction of 32 residential buildings, a principal mosque, eateries, food preparation areas, student service buildings, outdoor play spaces, landscaped grounds, enclosures, and roadways.

Construction of Five Girls’ Colleges in Cairo and Luxor

The project involves construction of standalone buildings for five girls’ faculties, including Media and Dentistry in Cairo, Pharmacy in both Cairo and Luxor, and Medicine in Luxor. The Dentistry Faculty accommodates 1,500 students, Cairo-based Pharmacy Faculty accommodates 2,250 students, while Luxor’s Medicine and Pharmacy faculties have capacities of 500-750 and 750 students respectively. Other projects include faculty annexes such as outpatient clinics and other educational and administrative services.

Construction of Azhar TV Building

The building occupies a 17,000 square meter space. It houses four studios of varying sizes, complete with advanced technology and furnished with supporting facilities such as lighting, dressing rooms, editing suites, administrative offices, and guest waiting areas.

Construction of Dormitory Complex for International Students

The complex occupies a 100-acre plot within Al Amal City of ​​New Cairo. The project involves setting up a comprehensive Azhari complex. This includes several prestigious Al-Azhar institutions, a dormitory complex for international students, a dormitory complex for commuter students, and new buildings for certain Al-Azhar faculties.

Construction of Al-Azhar University Female Student Residence

10th of Ramadan Branch.

Construction of a Male Student Building in Tanta

The building can hold 450 students and instructors and spans 6,600 square meters.

قريبــــاً!

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