The Great Mosque of Algiers: Key Information and All Details About Africa’s Largest Mosque
The Great Mosque of Algiers, also known as Djamaa el Djazaïr, the Algiers Mosque, the Great Mosque, or the Grand Mosque of Algeria, is the largest mosque in Africa and the third-largest in the world after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
It was inaugurated on November 1st, 2020, a date that marks the anniversary of the outbreak of the Algerian Liberation Revolution against French colonization in 1954.
Reason for Building the Great Mosque in Algiers
Mohammadia… A historical symbol of the location of the Great Mosque of Algiers. It was constructed in the Mohammadia district (named after the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) in the capital city of Algeria.
The site holds great significance as it was originally named La Victoire during the French colonial period, named after the French Cardinal Charles Lavigerie. He established the first and largest school for White Fathers (members of the Missionaries of Africa) in the entire African continent in this area in 1868. France aimed to convert Algerians to Christianity and spread Christianity throughout Africa through this initiative.
Who Designed the Great Mosque of Algiers?
the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr) was designed by two architectural firms named KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten and Krebs und Kiefer the architectural engineering company, based in Germany.
When Was the Great Mosque of Algiers Inaugurated?
The Grand Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr) was inaugurated on October 28, 2020, coinciding with the night of the Prophet’s honorable birth. The inauguration took place by opening the prayer hall, with the presence of the Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Explore the Key Details and Features of the Great Mosque of Algiers
What Is the Area of the Great Mosque in Algeria?
The Great Mosque of Algeria covers an area of 27.75 hectares and includes 12 massive buildings.
The prayer hall in the mosque can accommodate 120,000 worshippers.
The mosque houses a library with 2,000 seats and an area of 21,800 square meters. It also has three underground levels with an area of 180,000 square meters for more than 6,000 cars.
It features two lecture halls with a combined area of 16,100 square meters. One hall seats 1,500 people, while the other seats 300.
The dome of the mosque has a diameter of 50 meters and a height of 70 meters, standing grandly on 680 columns.
Details of the Minaret of the Great Mosque of Algiers
The minaret of the Great Mosque of Algiers can be seen from most parts of the capital city. It is the tallest in the world, reaching a height of 267 meters with foundations extending 60 meters deep.
The minaret consists of 43 floors, with 15 floors dedicated to a museum showcasing the history of Algeria and 10 floors serving as research centers, in addition to commercial spaces.
Visitors can access the minaret via panoramic elevators that offer breathtaking views of the Algerian capital. Furthermore, an observatory is placed at the top of the minaret, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Algiers Bay.
The Interior of the Great Mosque of Algeria
The interior of the Grand Mosque of Algiers is adorned with Andalusian style, featuring no less than six kilometers of Arabic calligraphy on marble, marble, and wood.
The decoration of the Great Mosque of Algiers, the third-largest mosque in the world, holds significance and historical value, with each design element telling a story.
Algerian motifs, representing the final decorations at the Palace of the Alhambra, were selected to evoke the Arab-Islamic and Andalusian heritage.
Everything You Need to Know About the Chandelier of the Great Mosque of Algeria
It’s the largest chandelier in the world, designed in the shape of a rosary. It’s adorned with the phrase “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azim” (Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Him, Glory be to Allah, the Almighty) repeated 33 times. It weighs 9 and a half tons and consists of 357 crystal pieces to refract light.
The mihrab was designed using five types of marble, while the minbar was crafted from oak wood and natural mother-of-pearl.
The Carpet of the Great Mosque of Algeria
The carpet of the Great Mosque of Algeria features a turquoise blue color with floral patterns, reflecting traditional Algerian motifs.
The carpet symbolizes the unity of Algeria, with 29 distinct designs representing the country’s 23 provinces, each design signifying a specific region.
The Doors of the Great Mosque of Algiers and Their Characteristics
The doors were designed in the Algerian style.
The main entrance door of the mosque is named after Sidi Boumediene, honoring this righteous saint who lived in Andalusia.
The four secondary doors are named: Victory Gate to the north, Mohammadia Gate to the south, Fath Gate, and Ben Salah Gate.
To protect this architectural and cultural monument from potential disasters, it’s equipped with an earthquake-resistant system guaranteed for up to 80 years.
All the works have been documented in a book available in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Amazigh (Berber), and Chinese, to introduce this religious monument.
The Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr) is among the best international architectural designs for the year 2021
The significance of the Grand Mosque of Algeria extends beyond being a stunning space for prayer and spirituality. It stands as a monumental university and scientific center, housing a library capable of accommodating two thousand individuals. Within its walls, this mosque holds approximately one million books covering a diverse array of disciplines, complemented by a modern digital library. Additionally, it boasts an Islamic art and history museum, conference halls, cultural and media centers, and a school dedicated to teaching the Quran and its sciences (akin to an Islamic sciences college). The premises encompass numerous levels and gardens for parking, as well as an opulent outdoor plaza featuring an artificial lake and an Islamic garden.
Moreover, the mosque complex features commercial spaces, restaurants, gardens, and an expansive cultural center adjacent to the mosque. This center includes a conference hall capable of hosting 1,500 participants, cinema halls, and a library.
The Grand Mosque of Algiers: An Islamic Beacon Against Extremism
The mosque’s daily prayers are led by five imams and announced by five muezzins. Beyond its role in prayer, this sanctuary’s mission includes the organization and coordination of religious edicts in line with the Algerian context.
The Grand Mosque of Algiers is also dedicated to serving as a beacon of light and a civilizational monument, disseminating values of tolerance, love, and combating all forms of extremism.
Cost of the Great Mosque of Algiers
The total cost for the completion of the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr) amounted to approximately 898 million euros (just over one billion dollars), as officially stated by the Algerian government.
Discover the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr): In Pictures
