Azhar Sheikh denies reports on shutting down Kurds Gallery

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi termed as groundless reports on closing the Kurds Gallery at Al-Azhar and giving it to the Turks.

Tantawi said yesterday that the claim, which was reported by a news agency, was bare of truth.

He said Al-Azhar extends educational services based on moderation for all Muslims without discrimination.

The news agency had quoted Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of the Kurdistan government Mohamed Said Shakly as having asked Dr Tantawi to reconsider a decision on closing the Kurds' Gallery. Many Muslim students used to live and study in the Gallery at al-Azhar which allotted a "Rowaq" for every country.