Algeria Completes Africa’s Largest Mosque

Algeria celebrated the inauguration of a monumental mosque on its Mediterranean coastline, marking the culmination of a project that endured years of political turbulence, delays, and budget overruns, transforming it from a symbol of state-sponsored strength to one of controversy.

Known locally as the Djamaa El-Djazair, the modernist mosque sprawls across 27.75 hectares, making it one of the largest mosques globally, surpassed only by the mosques in Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. With a prayer room capable of accommodating 120,000 worshippers, the mosque stands as a significant architectural feat.

Constructed by a Chinese firm over the course of the 2010s, the Great Mosque of Algiers boasts the world’s tallest minaret, reaching a staggering height of 869 feet. Its design incorporates Arab and North African influences, paying homage to Algerian heritage while also featuring modern amenities such as a helicopter landing pad and a library capable of housing up to 1 million books.

The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune, emphasised the mosque’s role in promoting a moderate interpretation of Islam, a priority for the Algerian government following years of conflict with Islamist insurgents during the 1990s civil war.

Despite the grandeur of the occasion, the mosque’s construction was marred by controversy and setbacks, including concerns over its seismic vulnerability. The project faced criticism from segments of the population who questioned the allocation of resources, suggesting that funds could have been better utilised for essential infrastructure like hospitals.

Originally conceived by former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who envisioned it as the largest mosque in Africa and intended it to be his legacy, the project faced obstacles following his resignation in the wake of mass protests in 2019. Allegations of corruption surrounding the mosque’s construction, along with other infrastructure projects, further tarnished its reputation.

Nevertheless, the completion of the mosque stands as a significant milestone for Algeria, symbolising both its architectural prowess and the challenges it faces in reconciling its past with its aspirations for the future.

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Source: Arab News