Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the center for attracting Algerian scholars during the Ottoman era

Abstract

The journeys in seeking knowledge to scientific centers and institutes during the Ottoman
era were considered a basic pillar in the educational achievement of students, scholars and
jurists. For that, a large number of Algerian scholars at the time were keen to visit the Al-Azhar
Mosque in Egypt and settle for some time in order to continue their educations there, as it is
one of the most important scientific and cultural institutions in the Arab East at all. They
received in its space various types of religious and mental sciences from top sciences, strive to
obtain academic degrees, and discuss with their colleagues in several issues. In addition to
checking out the bookcases and benefiting from its treasures, among others, if the scientist who
traveled from them completed his studies, he would become one of the flags of his time, and a
destination for scholars from all areas. In that case, he has to choose between two matters: either
return to his country and devote himself to writing and teaching, or staying in Egypt and
occupying high positions such as taking over the sheikhdom on the Magharebas' gallery and
looking into his endowments.