Algeria celebrated the inauguration of a massive mosque on its Mediterranean coast, marking the completion of a project that faced years of challenges and setbacks. The Great Mosque of Algiers, constructed by a Chinese firm over the past decade, boasts the world's tallest minaret standing at 869 feet. This architectural marvel, ranking as the third largest mosque globally and the largest outside Islam's holiest cities, can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers in its prayer room.
The mosque's design blends modernist elements with Arab and North African influences, paying homage to Algerian heritage. Noteworthy features include a helicopter landing pad and a library capable of housing a million books. The inauguration ceremony aimed to promote a message of moderation and goodness in Islam, a crucial focus for Algeria following a turbulent period of political unrest and conflict.
President Abdelmajid Tebboune led the inauguration event, fulfilling a promise to open the mosque with grandeur. Despite the ceremonial nature of the occasion, the mosque has been accessible to international visitors for several years. The strategic timing of the inauguration allows the mosque to welcome worshippers for nightly prayers during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
However, the mosque's construction journey was marred by controversies, including delays and cost overruns. Critics raised concerns about the chosen site's seismic risks, although the state refuted these claims. The project's total cost amounted to $898 million, sparking public debate over the allocation of resources in a country where essential infrastructure like hospitals is in high demand.
Originally envisioned by former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika as Africa's largest mosque, the project faced setbacks due to political upheaval and corruption allegations. The mosque, once intended to bear Bouteflika's name, now stands as a symbol of Algeria's architectural prowess and cultural heritage, despite its tumultuous history.
