 During the Ottoman period , al @-@ Azhar regained its status as a favored institution of learning in Egypt , overtaking the madrasas that had been originally instituted by Saladin and greatly expanded by the Mamluks . By the end of the 18th century , al @-@ Azhar had become inextricably linked to the ulema of Egypt . The ulema also were able to influence the government in an official capacity , with several sheikhs appointed to advisory councils that reported to the pasha ( honorary governor ) , who in turn was appointed for only one year . This period also saw the introduction of more secular courses taught at al @-@ Azhar , with science and logic joining philosophy in the curriculum . During this period , al @-@ Azhar saw its first non @-@ Maliki rector ; Abdullah al @-@ Shubrawi , a follower of the Shafii madhab , was appointed rector . No follower of the Maliki madhab would serve as rector until 1899 when Salim al @-@ Bishri was appointed to the post . 
