Al-Azhar has held celebratory cultural and religious events to mark the 1,083^rd anniversary of its establishment, which included recitations of the Holy Qurʾān and speeches discussing the history of al-Azhar. The events were attended by religious leaders from al-Azhar and from the Egyptian churches, as well as local political leaders from the various governorates. Many consider the anniversary to be an opportunity for al-Azhar to increase awareness of the societal, educational and religious role played by the institution, and to spread the Islamic values that it represents.