Ketchaoua

Ketchaoua is a historic site in Algiers, Algeria, comprising the Ketchaoua Mosque and the adjacent Ketchaoua Palace. Located at the base of the Casbah of Algiers near the port, the complex represents an important example of the city’s Ottoman-era architecture and urban fabric. The mosque dates from the 17th to 18th centuries and features Moorish-Ottoman design elements, including arches and a secluded prayer space that reflects the period’s religious and civic life. The nearby palace was constructed in the late 18th century as a government residence and later served various administrative functions under different regimes.

Under French colonial rule in the 19th century, the Ketchaoua complex underwent structural and functional changes as part of broader administrative and religious policies. After Algeria gained independence in 1962, the mosque was reconsecrated and remains an active place of worship. The Ketchaoua complex is part of the Casbah of Algiers, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 in recognition of its well-preserved historic urban landscape and its cultural significance in the region.

Today, Ketchaoua is a prominent landmark in Algiers, attracting visitors for its historical value as well as its role within the Casbah’s broader heritage. The site stands as a testament to the city’s layered history, reflecting periods of Ottoman rule, French colonial influence, and post-independence heritage.