Antique albumen print, depicts students of Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of Islamic learning in the world, located in Cairo, Egypt. Founded in 970 AD during the Fatimid Caliphate, Al-Azhar University is both a theological and academic institution, deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship. It has historically been a key hub for Arabic studies, religious sciences, and philosophy. Today, it continues to be a major center for Islamic jurisprudence and education, attracting students from across the Muslim world.
Titled "Femmes Fellahs Nr 420" on the lower left and signed "Abdullah Freres" on the lower right. Slight signs of wear and fading. Newly framed.
Abdullah Freres were three Armenian-Ottoman brothers – Vichen (1820–1902), Hovsep (1830–1908), and Kevork Abdullahyan (1839–1918) – who became highly regarded photographers in the 19th century. They established their studio in Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1858, gaining recognition for their portraits of sultans, dignitaries, and cityscapes. Their photography played a significant role in documenting the late Ottoman period, and in 1863, they were appointed official photographers to Sultan Abdulaziz. From 1866 to 1895, the brothers also ran a studio in Cairo, Egypt.