The Pedigree of El-Moizz (litho)

The Pedigree of El-Moizz. El-Moizz found his opportunity in the anarchy that followed the death of Kafur, the fourth Fatemid Caliph. He sent his Kaid, Gauhar, into Egypt with a hundred thousand men. The Turks were defeated, and Gauhar laid the foundations of a new city, El-Kahira (Cairo). When later El-Moizz followed, in 973, and founded the university of El-Azhar, the leading Shias and Sherifs came and asked by what claim of descent he had assumed his position. "Here is my pedigree!" said he, as he unsheathed his sword, "and here is my proof," as he flung gold to the people. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.