Establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate

The Fatimid dynasty, an Ismaili Shia caliphate, was established in North Africa before conquering Egypt and founding Cairo in 969 CE. Despite being Shia, the Fatimids generally tolerated Sunni scholarship and built al-Azhar mosque (later a Sunni institution). Their rule lasted until Salahuddin dissolved the caliphate in 1171 CE.