It is one of the oldest and most important in the Arab world. Its construction began shortly after the Fatimids gained influence, and lasted from April 4th, 970 to June 22nd, 972. At Soon after the building was finished, it housed a madrasa—a Muslim school of theology. It taught Islamic law, philosophy, Arabic grammar, astronomy, logic, and fiqh—Muslim law. During Saladin’s reign, the curriculum was extended to include medicine. After the occupation of Egypt by the Turks, it gained international fame and became the major institution of the science of Sunni Islam. Its rank was raised in 1961 when it was officially recognized as a university. Currently, a number of secular subjects are taught there—economic sciences, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and agricultural sciences.
