“Great Mosque of Algiers, a Fortress of National Religious Reference,” Says Mosque’s Dean
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- A gathering of esteemed religious scholars in Algeria convened on Sunday to acclaim Djemaâ El Djazaïr as a towering religious edifice, a beacon of moderation and centrism, and a stronghold of national religious authority—a source of pride for Algeria and the entire Islamic community.
In this context, Sheikh Mohamed El Maamoun El Kacemi Hassani, the dean of Djemaâ El Djazaïr, emphasized to Quran Radio that this religious and scholarly landmark holds immense significance and importance in the country. It serves as the unifying voice of the people and the fortress of their religious reference.
Sheikh Mohamed El Maamoun El Kacemi highlighted the profound symbolism behind its construction on the grounds of “El Mohammadia,” formerly known as “Cardinal Lavigerie” during the colonial era—an individual who fervently propagated Christianity. He underscored the divine choice of this location for the Great Mosque of Algiers following independence, as referenced by the President of the Republic on numerous occasions, highlighting its promising civilizational project.
Bouzid Boumediene, Director of the Dean’s Office at Djemaâ El Djazaïr, revealed the establishment of a doctoral school within the mosque under the directives of the President of the Republic. This initiative aims to elevate the mosque into a university, producing highly qualified scientific and religious elites.
Similarly, Professor Abdelkader Ben Azouz, Director of the Higher School of Islamic Sciences at Djemaâ El Djazaïr, emphasized that this religious landmark extends beyond its spiritual dimension to become an intellectual and academic institution named “Dar Al-Quran.” Here, a doctoral competition has been announced for the academic year 2023-2024, further solidifying its academic credentials.
Dr. Mohamed Ben Zaamia emphasized that Djemaâ El Djazaïr was established to achieve the true objectives of mosques in Islam, serving as a place of worship, knowledge dissemination, and virtue propagation among people.
Djemaâ El Djazaïr epitomizes a visionary aspect of modern Algeria, fortifying societal resilience intellectually and religiously, spreading the light of knowledge, upholding the nation’s constants and identity, and standing tall as a beacon of moderation and centrism.
The Great Mosque of Algiers: A Fusion of Modernity and Tradition
The Great Mosque of Algiers stands as a testament to both modern architectural marvels and traditional Islamic aesthetics. Classified as the largest mosque in Africa and the third-largest in the world, after Masdjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Masdjid Al-Nabawi in Medina, it embodies the fusion of modernity and tradition.
Designed with a modernist approach, the mosque’s interior features Andalusian influences, geometric architecture, and intricate decorations in wood, marble, and alabaster. The walls are adorned with six kilometers of Arabic calligraphy from the Quran, complemented by turquoise prayer mats.
Spanning 27.75 hectares, the mosque’s prayer hall alone covers over 2 hectares, accommodating up to 120,000 worshippers. The hall, resembling a massive cube, stands approximately 22.5 meters high, with a dome soaring to 70 meters at its apex. All religious elements, including the Qibla wall, Mihrab, and Minbar, blend seamlessly into the modern aesthetic of the hall.
One of the most striking features of the mosque is its minaret, standing at a staggering height of 267 meters, making it the tallest in the world. Equipped with elevators, the minaret offers panoramic views of Algiers and the Bay of Algiers, resembling a skyscraper in dimension and function.
The mosque complex extends beyond religious functions, encompassing cultural and educational buildings. These include a house for Quran studies, an Islamic cultural center, a library housing a million books, lecture halls, museums, research centers, and more. These facilities position the mosque as not only a center of religious activity but also a hub for social, cultural, and educational events.
Furthermore, the mosque’s outdoor square, administrative headquarters, underground car park, green spaces, and shops contribute to its functionality and significance in Algerian society. Notably, the mosque boasts a highly effective anti-seismic system, capable of mitigating over 70% of earthquake forces.
The inauguration of the Algiers Mosque represents a significant milestone in Algeria’s religious and cultural landscape, symbolizing the country’s commitment to modernity, tradition, and societal advancement.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
