Imam el-Houari Mosque

Imam el-Houari Mosque is an Ottoman-era house of worship in Oran with a rectangular layout and a central square prayer hall. A courtyard with a fountain and planted areas surrounds the prayer spaces, while walls enclose the site.

It was built after the Spanish left Oran in 1792, when the ruler Muhammad ben Osman al-Kabir commissioned it as a family burial site. The building went through major changes during the period of foreign occupation that followed.

The mosque serves the local Muslim community as a place for daily worship and gatherings in the rhythm of the city. It remains central to how residents practice their faith in this port town.

The building sits about 1.5 kilometers east of central Oran near the northern harbor and opens during the five daily prayer times. Visitors should be aware that separate entrances exist for men and women, and modest dress is expected.

During French occupation starting in 1832, the religious building was converted into living quarters and a livestock stable before returning to worship. This unexpected repurposing shows how political upheaval shaped the history of this place.

GPS coordinates: 35.70460,-0.65455

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23