Many mosques around the world are known for their grand size, beautiful architecture and cultural significance. Some of the largest mosques can accommodate thousands of worshippers and have unique feature like tall minarets and intricate designs. One such mosque, ranked as the third-largest in the world, stands as a symbol of faith and heritage. It is located in a historic and vibrant city, attracting visitors from around the world.
Location of Djamaa EI-Djazair
Djamaa EI-Djazair, also called the Great Mosque of Algiers, is located in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. The mosque is built near the Mediterranean Sea, giving it a stunning view. It is the Mohammadia area of the city, which is easily accessible to visitors.
When was It Built?
The construction of Djamaa EI-Djazair began in 2012 and was completed in 2019. The idea for the mosque came from former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The German architectural films “KSP Jurgen Engel Architekten” and “Krebs und Kiefer” designed under it. The Chinese company “China State Construction Engineering” built the mosque.
How Large is the Djamaa EI-Djazair Mosque?
Djamaa EI-Djazair is one of the biggest mosques in the world. It covers an area of 400,000 square meters and can hold 120,000 worshippers. The prayer hall alone is 22,000 square meters in size. The mosque also has a library, a research center, a school for the Quran, and a museum of Islamic art.
The World’s Tallest Minaret
The mosque has the tallest minaret in the world, standing at 265 meters (869 feet). It has 37 floors and includes an observation deck where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the sea. Until 2024, it was also the tallest building in Africa.
Unique Designs and Features
The mosque is a mix of modern and traditional Islamic architecture. It has:
- A beautiful dome with a 50-meter diameter and 70-meter height.
- 618 octagonal columns for support.
- Walls decorated with 6 kilometers of calligraphy engraved using lasers.
- Earthquake-resistant design, built to withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake.
- Parking for 7,000 cars.