Djemaa

Djemaa is a transliteration of the Arabic term jamāʿa (جَمَاعَة), which means assembly, gathering, or congregation. In North Africa the word appears in toponyms and in the names of mosques and public spaces. Spelling variants include Djemaa, Jemaa, Djamaa, and Djema’a, reflecting differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation.

The most widely known use is Djemaa el-Fna, the central square of Marrakech, Morocco. It sits in the Medina near the Koutoubia Mosque and has historically served as a bustling gathering place for trade, markets, performers, and social life. Today the square remains a focal point for culture and tourism, with daytime and nighttime activities that reflect the city’s diverse traditions. Djemaa el-Fna is part of the Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Arabic usage, djamaa also appears in the names of mosques. A prominent example is Djamaa el-Djazair (The Great Mosque of Algiers), a major mosque and religious complex in Algiers. Its name translates directly as “Mosque of Algiers.” Such usage highlights the dual meaning of jamāʿa as both a gathering and a religious building in different contexts.

Overall, the term Djemaa embodies social assembly and religious architecture in North Africa, with its most famous reference being Marrakech’s lively central square and its use in naming large mosques.