President Tebboune’s Pivotal Role in Algeria’s Development: Historian Mohamed Amine Belghit’s Testimony on the Grand Mosque of Algiers
![President Tebboune’s Pivotal Role in Algeria’s Development: Historian Mohamed Amine Belghit’s Testimony on the Grand Mosque of Algiers](http://www.dzair-tube.dz/en/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Capture-decran-2025-02-13-193314.png)
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | February 13th, 2025 — Algerian historian and university professor Mohamed Amine Belghit has provided a compelling historical testimony on the significant role of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the development of Algeria, particularly in relation to the construction of the Grand Mosque of Algiers ‘Djamaâ El Djazaïr’. Speaking in an interview with Dzair Tube, Belghit described President Tebboune as a unifying figure and a decisive force in the realization of this monumental project, which stands as a symbol of Algeria’s cultural and spiritual identity.
A Testimony to History: Tebboune’s Firm Hand in National Projects
In a statement emphasizing his neutrality and objectivity, Belghit affirmed: “I bear witness, with absolute honesty, that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was the strong hand behind the establishment of the Grand Mosque of Algiers. I have no personal interest in making this claim, but I must acknowledge the reality. During his tenure as Minister of Housing and Urban Development and later as Prime Minister, Tebboune played a decisive role in ensuring that this project came to fruition despite numerous obstacles and resistance from political adversaries.”
According to Belghit, Tebboune’s vision was instrumental in positioning the Grand Mosque of Algiers as the spiritual and architectural centerpiece of the capital, a project that faced fierce opposition from certain political factions. He revealed that significant resistance came from a former Prime Minister who opposed the construction of the mosque, fearing its central role in the capital’s urban planning and its significance as a future landmark for millions of Algerians.
A Historic Battle: Overcoming Resistance and Foreign Interference
Belghit shed light on the geopolitical and ideological challenges that surrounded the construction of the Grand Mosque. He asserted that there were deliberate efforts, including foreign-backed campaigns, aimed at preventing the mosque’s construction at its designated location. “There was a crusade-like opposition to the establishment of this mosque. However, through the unwavering determination of President Tebboune and a dedicated team, Algeria triumphed. The authorities allocated a budget of $1.9 billion, and German engineering firms, renowned for their expertise in grand architectural projects, were commissioned to bring this vision to life,” he explained.
Despite initial smooth progress, Belghit disclosed that certain figures, now imprisoned, attempted to undermine the project by altering its design. “The original plan envisioned a minaret surpassing 273 meters in height and a prayer hall accommodating over 3,000 worshippers. However, one of the corrupt officials—whom I will not name—intervened to reduce both the height of the minaret and the size of the prayer hall. These individuals waged a battle against Islam under the guise of financial and national interests,” he stated.
A Call for Preservation and Continued Care
Beyond its architectural magnificence, the Grand Mosque of Algiers is envisioned as a beacon of Islamic knowledge and spirituality, rivalling the significance of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. Belghit issued an impassioned plea for the continued maintenance and preservation of this sacred structure. “I call upon all those who hold responsibility for this mosque and for Algeria as a whole to ensure the completion of its final phases and to entrust its cleaning and maintenance to national Algerian companies. This mosque must retain its status as an intellectual and spiritual hub for the Muslim world, standing as an enduring symbol of Algeria’s rich Islamic heritage,” he urged.
Belghit emphasized that the mosque is not merely a place of worship but a historical victory for Algeria’s identity, a triumph over ideological opposition, and a monument to national pride. He called for an African and global Islamic awakening that acknowledges the Grand Mosque of Algiers as a pivotal center of religious and academic excellence.
Djamaâ El Djazaïr: A Modern Bastion of Religious and Cultural Integrity
Djamaâ El Djazaïr, located in the heart of Algiers within the Mohammadia commune, stands as a prominent symbol of religious and cultural significance. Renowned for its modernist interpretation of Islamic architecture, the mosque serves not only as the largest in Africa but also as the third largest globally, following Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.
Architecturally, Djamaâ El Djazaïr represents a fusion of modernist design with traditional Andalusian influences. Its structure features intricate geometric patterns and elaborate decorations crafted from wood, marble, and alabaster. The mosque’s interior is adorned with six kilometers of Koranic text rendered in Arabic calligraphy, complemented by turquoise prayer mats that enhance the spiritual ambiance.
Spanning 27.75 hectares, the mosque’s prayer hall is expansive, covering over 2 hectares and accommodating up to 120,000 worshipers. This vast hall, shaped like a massive cube approximately 145 meters on each side and standing 22.5 meters high, integrates religious elements such as the Qibla wall, Mihrab, and Minbar within a contemporary aesthetic framework.
The mosque’s minaret is a standout feature, recognized as the tallest in the world at 265 meters. Equipped with elevators, it provides sweeping views of Algiers and the Bay of Algiers, resembling a skyscraper in its scope. The minaret houses several public amenities, including the Museum of Algerian History, two research centers, and a public viewing platform at its pinnacle.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the mosque complex encompasses a range of cultural and educational facilities. These include a Quranic house, an Islamic cultural center, a library, a museum of Islamic art and history, research centers, and an Imam School. These amenities underscore the mosque’s role as a hub for religious, social, and cultural engagement.
The mosque also features an expansive outdoor plaza, administrative offices, underground parking for 6,000 vehicles, green spaces, and retail outlets distributed across 12 independent buildings. Notably, it is equipped with a sophisticated anti-seismic system designed to absorb over 70% of earthquake forces, ensuring structural resilience.
In essence, Djamaâ El Djazaïr epitomizes modern Islam, blending educational, cultural, and social functions with a steadfast commitment to combating extremism and fostering religious tolerance. Its design and facilities reflect Algeria’s dedication to advancing both spiritual and intellectual growth within a framework of modernity and resilience.
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