BY: DR. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over the official inauguration of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr in Algiers yesterday, in the presence of scholars, imams, and sheikhs from the Muslim world who gathered to witness the ceremony. Designed to be a beacon of civilization and piety, this mosque – the third-largest in the world – embodies the desire to bridge tradition and modernity while also projecting its influence internationally to attract seekers of knowledge, tourists, and scholars alike.
Upon arrival at the mosque’s entrance, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was greeted by the rector of the mosque, Sheikh Mohamed Maâmoun Al Kacimi Al Hassani, accompanied by the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi, and the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, Tarek Belaribi. President Tebboune took the opportunity to capture the moment by taking a souvenir photograph with religious dignitaries from various Muslim regions.
In the reception hall, President Tebboune had the opportunity to watch a documentary showcasing the various facilities and structures of the mosque, spanning an area of 27 hectares. The majestic structure, crowned by a 265-meter-high minaret, includes 12 autonomous buildings featuring an imposing prayer hall covering 20,000 square meters, designed to accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers, as well as a vast library capable of housing up to one million volumes and accommodating 3,500 people.
After viewing the presentation in the reception hall, President Tebboune visited the library, passing through the cultural center, conference hall, Dar El-Qor’an National Higher School of Islamic Sciences, which includes study rooms and laboratories offering specialized training for graduates from educational and higher education institutions, as well as to train qualified professionals in the field of humanities and social sciences. Finally, he visited the Museum of Islamic Civilization, which houses rich historical museum collections, including documents, images, recordings, and films about Islamic civilization.
A Multi-Faceted Place of Worship
This magnificent architectural work, blending tradition and modernity, is not only a place of worship but also a potential tourist destination that could become a must-see attraction for visitors to the capital. In addition to its unparalleled architectural beauty, Djamaâ El-Djazaïr embodies a rich cultural and religious heritage. Its location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and the city, adding to its tourist appeal. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite decorations, elaborate Quranic calligraphy, and traditional artistic motifs, which testify to the rich history of Islamic art.
The mosque can also provide a place of spirituality for visitors seeking tranquility and serenity, in addition to being a destination for lovers of Islamic culture, especially through its cultural and educational center and its library rich in works on history, culture, and religion, offering visitors the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Islam and Algeria.
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 265 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.
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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.
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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.
