The Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171 AD) was the most powerful Ismaili state in history, ruling North Africa, Egypt, Sicily, and at its height much of the Levant. Founded by Abd Allah al-Mahdi Billah in 909 AD in Tunisia, the Fatimids moved their capital to Cairo (al-Qahira — ‘The Victorious’) after conquering Egypt in 969 AD. The Fatimids founded al-Azhar mosque (970 AD) — today the most prestigious institution of Sunni Islamic learning globally, though ironically founded as an Ismaili institution. The Fatimid court was a center of science, philosophy, and religious diversity; the Fatimids were notably tolerant of Christians and Jews. The Fatimid Caliphate ended when Saladin (Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi) abolished it in 1171 AD and restored Sunni governance in Egypt. The Fatimid split in 1094 AD produced the Nizari and Mustali branches of Ismailism.