djamaa

Djamaa is an Arabic term meaning mosque. In modern usage, the name is associated most prominently with the Great Mosque of Algiers, also known as Djamaa el Djazaïr, a large mosque and cultural complex in Algiers, Algeria. The complex sits along the Mediterranean coast and is designed to serve religious, educational, and cultural functions.

The Great Mosque of Algiers features a substantial prayer hall and a distinctive minaret noted for its height, which has been described as among the tallest in the world. In addition to the mosque, the site includes facilities such as a library, a conference and cultural center, and educational or museum spaces. The architecture blends traditional motifs associated with Islamic and Moorish influences with contemporary design elements, producing a landmark that stands out in the city’s urban landscape.

Construction of the project began in the 2010s as part of a broader development initiative along Algiers’ seafront, and the complex was completed and opened in the early 2020s. The project is supported by the Algerian state and involved international collaboration. The mosque is one of Africa’s largest by capacity and is intended to function as a hub for religious practice, scholarship, culture, and tourism, attracting attention for its scale, nighttime illumination, and role in Algeria’s cultural and urban development.