BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, today, Sunday, February 25, 2024, officially inaugurated Djamaa El-Djazair, or Algiers’ Great Mosque. Numerous political and religious figures, both domestic and foreign, graced this historic occasion with their presence.
Upon his arrival, President Tebboune was warmly welcomed by the mosque’s dean, Mohamed El Maamoun El Kacemi Hassani, alongside the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Youcef Belmehdi, and the Minister of Housing, Mohamed Tarek Belaribi.
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President Tebboune Emphasizes Role of Great Mosque of Algiers in Promoting Moderate Islam
During his address at the official inauguration of the Great Mosque of Algiers, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlighted the mosque’s crucial role in promoting the values of “wassatiya,” or moderate Islam, and combating extremism and fundamentalist ideologies.
During his visit to the mosque’s library, President Tebboune urged the establishment of a clear system for displaying books and publications within the library. He emphasized the importance of enriching the library with reference works covering various scientific disciplines, while also underscoring the significance of education in fields such as Islamic economics, law, and finance.
Making a stop at the cultural center within the Great Mosque, President Tebboune called for the organization of meetings and symposiums in collaboration with state institutions. This initiative aims to maximize the utilization of the mosque’s modern infrastructure and facilities.
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.
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