The Al- Azhar Mosque was built in 970 in Cario Egypt. The mosque was constructed at the request of the Fatimid caliph al- Muciz. In 989 the mosque was turned into a theological college and is now one of the oldest university in the world. Because of the university becoming a part of the mosque, the mosque has undergone many changes over the years. The original mosque had a central courtyard with three arcades, and over time the courtyard was reduced in size with additions of more arcades and a dome was also added to the courtyard. The style of the mosque mirrors that of both Samarra and Byzantine architectural styles.
The original miharb still stands in the al-Azhar mosque today. There are two inscriptions on the original miharb, those of which are the only two that can be traced back to the time of the Fatimid.
The Believers (Al-Mu’minun)
“Successful indeed are the believers, Who are humble in their prayers, And who shun what is vain.” (23:1-3)
The Cattle (Al-An’am)
“Say: My prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are surely for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. No associate has He. And this am I commanded and I am the first of those who submit.” (6:162-163)
Other Resources:
THE REVELATION IN ARCHITECTURE 