Fatimid Caliphate
Egypt, 969 CE–1171.
A Shi'a Ismaili caliphate from North Africa conquered Egypt and founded a new royal city, al-Qahira, 'the Victorious'. Cairo became the centre of a Mediterranean trading empire.
Seat of power: Cairo
Rulers
al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah
Caliph, 953 CE–975 CE
Ruled as imam and caliph, claiming descent from the Prophet's daughter Fatima. His general Jawhar conquered Egypt in 969 almost without a fight, and al-Mu'izz moved his court to the new city of Cairo in 973.
Portrait of al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah: Reinhard Saczewski, Public domain, file
al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Caliph, 996 CE–1021
An absolute and unpredictable ruler who issued strict edicts and at times persecuted Christians and Jews. He also founded the House of Knowledge. He disappeared during a night ride in 1021.
Portrait of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC BY-SA 2.5, file
Culture
- Al-Azhar Mosque opens in 972 and grows into one of the oldest continuously running universities in the world.
- The House of Knowledge, founded in 1005, opens a public library and lecture halls.
- The scientist Ibn al-Haytham works in Cairo on his Book of Optics.
Picture
Al-Azhar Mosque, founded by the Fatimids in 970 and still a centre of learning.
Image: Wildoo78, CC BY-SA 4.0, file
