BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Invited by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, the distinguished rector will highlight the enduring legacy of Emir Abdelkader, emphasizing his principles of resistance, humanism, and peace before an international academic audience.
Algiers, Algeria | April 27th, 2025 — The Rector of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, Mohamed Maâmoun Al Kacimi El Hassani, arrived on Sunday in London, United Kingdom, to participate in a prestigious academic event at the world-renowned University of Oxford.
According to an official communiqué issued by Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, the rector was invited by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies — an eminent institution affiliated with Oxford University — to deliver a lecture dedicated to the life, legacy, and profound intellectual contributions of Emir Abdelkader.
Scheduled for Monday, the conference will explore “various facets of Emir Abdelkader’s heritage, shedding light on his philosophies of resistance against colonial oppression as well as his visionary ideals of humanism, peace, and coexistence,” the statement detailed.
Upon his arrival at Heathrow International Airport in London, El Hassani was warmly welcomed by the Algerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Noreddine Yazid, demonstrating the importance Algeria attaches to this academic and diplomatic engagement.
Through this highly anticipated lecture, Mohamed Maâmoun Al Kacimi El Hassani is expected to elevate global awareness about Emir Abdelkader’s multifaceted legacy, which transcends national boundaries to offer timeless lessons in leadership, ethical resistance, and interfaith dialogue.
This event marks yet another milestone for Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, reinforcing its mission to promote Algeria’s intellectual and spiritual contributions on the international stage and to foster deeper understanding between cultures and civilizations through scholarly discourse.
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.
