Algeria Unveils the World’s Third-Largest Mosque Just Before Ramadan

Algeria has proudly unveiled the world’s third-largest mosque just before Ramadan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s architectural and cultural landscape. The Grand Mosque of Algiers, also known as Djamaa El-Djazair, stands as a testament to Algeria’s rich Islamic heritage and its commitment to modernist design. This monumental achievement not only enhances Algeria’s position on the global stage but also offers a new spiritual haven for millions of worshippers in anticipation of the holy month. With its record-breaking minaret and capacity to accommodate 120,000 people, this mosque is a marvel of engineering and religious significance, reflecting the nation’s dedication to fostering Islamic traditions and community.

The Grand Mosque’s inauguration by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune marks the culmination of a project that faced numerous delays due to political upheavals but has now been completed just in time for the holy month of Ramadan. The mosque, with its record-breaking 265-meter (869-foot) minaret—the tallest in the world—can host up to 120,000 worshippers, making it second in size only to the sacred mosques in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Constructed over a span of seven years, the mosque extends over 27.75 hectares (nearly 70 acres) and is a masterpiece of modernist design infused with traditional Arab and North African artistic elements. The interior is adorned with exquisite wood and marble, reflecting the rich cultural legacy of the region. Among its many features, the mosque boasts a helicopter landing pad and a vast library with the capacity to accommodate up to one million books, highlighting its role as a center for Islamic learning and scholarship.

The Grand Mosque of Algiers has been open to international tourists and state visitors for approximately five years and began welcoming worshippers for prayers in October 2020. However, its official inauguration was delayed until now, partly due to President Tebboune’s COVID-19 diagnosis around the time of its initial opening for prayers.

The construction of the mosque, carried out by a Chinese firm, was an ambitious project with a budget nearing $900 million. While it stands as a monumental achievement, the project has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns over its location in a seismically active area, though these claims have been refuted by the government. Furthermore, the mosque has been at the center of debates regarding its association with former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, under whose tenure the project was initiated. Bouteflika, who envisioned the mosque as part of his legacy, faced allegations of corruption and was ousted from power in 2019 following widespread protests and military intervention.

Despite the controversies, the Grand Mosque of Algiers is a breathtaking addition to Algeria’s cultural and religious landscape, promising to be a beacon of Islamic faith and Algerian identity for generations to come. Its opening ahead of Ramadan offers a place of worship, reflection, and community for millions, underscoring its significance in the heart of the Islamic world and beyond.