Djamaa El Kebir of Algiers, 11th-century mosque in Casbah district, Algiers, Algeria
Djamaa El Kebir is a house of prayer in the Casbah district with a rectangular worship space spanning eleven rows of columns. White stone pillars support horseshoe-shaped arches creating a wider central passage that leads toward the ornate prayer niche.
The structure was built at the end of the 11th century as new building traditions took root in the region. About two centuries later, a minaret was added that transformed its appearance and reinforced its role as a spiritual center.
The prayer niche displays spiral columns and carved plaster typical of religious buildings throughout the city. These decorative elements show how artistic traditions evolved over centuries in local worship spaces.
The building sits in the historic center and welcomes visitors on most days, though it remains an active prayer space. It is best to wear respectful clothing and be mindful of prayer times when exploring the interior.
A carved wooden reading platform originally designed for portability was removed from the building and now resides in a museum. This object bore valuable inscriptions that documented moments from the site's history.
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