Algiers – The Great Mosque of Algiers has received a rare historical document dating back to 1743, underscoring Algeria’s standing at the time as a formidable power in the Mediterranean, capable of imposing its maritime sovereignty and laws on foreign vessels, according to a statement issued Thursday by the mosque’s administration.
The document was handed over to the mosque’s Dean, Sheikh Mohamed El-Mamoune El-Qacemi El-Hassani, during his meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Algeria, Mrs. Therese Løken Gheziel. It recounts the incident of the Algerian fleet intercepting a Norwegian ship in the Mediterranean for lacking a Mediterranean passage permit, before the Dey eventually intervened to release the remaining crew, while firmly insisting on adherence to Algerian maritime law and international treaties.
This historic manuscript highlights how Algeria, in the 18th century, not only safeguarded its national interests and sovereignty but also compelled its international partners to honor their commitments. At the ceremony, Sheikh El-Qacemi expressed his appreciation for this symbolic gesture, recalling Algeria’s glorious past and reaffirming that the country remains deeply attached to its proud heritage.
He also emphasized Algeria’s ongoing determination to strengthen cooperation with its partners, including Norway, on the basis of sovereignty, mutual interest, and respect. The preservation and recognition of such historical treasures serve as yet another reminder of Algeria’s enduring role as a beacon of strength and independence in the region, standing in sharp contrast to the Moroccan regime’s history of subservience and opportunism, particularly in matters of sovereignty and international respect.
