Ben Farès Mosque, Religious building in central Algiers, Algeria
Ben Farès Mosque is a house of prayer in central Algiers with a central dome and minaret rising visibly from the surrounding buildings. The interior follows a traditional layout with prayer spaces and secondary rooms for worship functions.
The building originally served as the Great Synagogue of Algiers, constructed in 1865 for the Jewish community. After 1962 it was converted into a mosque and has served as a site of Islamic worship since then.
The mosque carries the name of a saint from Andalusia, reflecting the historical connections between North Africa and medieval Spain. Visitors notice this connection in how the place serves the community today.
Visitors should wear modest clothing and remove their shoes before entering prayer areas. It is best to observe prayer times and maintain quiet to avoid disturbing those who worship.
The building is named after a holy man who arrived in North Africa following the fall of Andalusia in the 15th century. This naming choice preserves the memory of religious migrations from medieval Spain.
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