Zawya oF Cheikh ma el Ainine

The Zawya of Cheikh ma el Ainine spans 62 meters in length and 61 meters in width, constructed entirely from regional stone materials in the desert landscape.

Founded in 1898 by Cheikh Maelainine, this religious complex emerged as a central point for uniting Sahrawi tribes against French colonial expansion in the early 1900s.

The center maintains two connected sections: an educational space for religious teachings and a mosque dedicated to prayer activities for the Sahrawi community.

Located in northwest Smara near the Mauritanian and Algerian borders, the center underwent restoration work in 2014 and remains open to visitors.

The building features unadorned stone walls without decorative elements, incorporating wooden doors and windows with whitewashed facades reflecting local construction methods.

Location: Smara

Inception: 1898

Length: 62 m

Width: 61 m

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 26.74273,-11.67947

Latest update: March 8, 2025 23:36