Also third-largest in the world and Africa’s largest, the East African country celebrated the inauguration of the Grand Mosque of Algiers, recognized as the world’s third-largest and Africa’s largest mosque, following years of delays attributed to political transitions, just in time for the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune officiated the ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the North African nation.
Dubbed Djamaa El-Djazair locally, the mosque stands out with its towering minaret, reaching a height of 265 meters (869 feet), and boasts a capacity to accommodate 120,000 worshippers, positioning it among the largest mosques globally, trailing only Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina. Constructed over seven years, the modernist edifice spans 27.75 hectares (approximately 70 acres), showcasing intricate designs in wood and marble, enriched with Arab and North African motifs.
Notable features include a helicopter landing pad and a library capable of housing up to one million books.
While the mosque’s official opening aligns with the onset of Ramadan, its ceremonial inauguration belies years of accessibility to international tourists and state visitors, with prayer services commencing as early as October 2020.
Although the project incurred close to $900 million in construction costs and was overseen by a Chinese firm, it faced criticism for delays, cost overruns, and alleged seismic risks, contentions refuted by the government.
The mosque’s legacy is intertwined with political complexities, seen as a symbolic endeavor by former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose tenure ended abruptly amid widespread protests and military intervention in 2019.
Named after Bouteflika and conceived as a testament to his legacy, the mosque faced setbacks, including postponed inaugurations, contributing to its association with allegations of corruption during his administration, alongside other ambitious infrastructure projects.’