Algiers, Algeria – The Grand Mosque of Algiers has received a significant collection of rare artistic treasures and manuscripts, enriching the holdings of its Museum of Islamic Civilization. The artifacts were formally presented to Bachir Bessaoud, Director of the Office at the Grand Mosque, and Moussa Ismail, Head of the Scientific Council.
The donation comes from Professor Mohamed Ben Said Sharifi, a renowned master calligrapher, and represents a valuable addition to Algeria’s cultural heritage. The collection includes historically significant prototypes and unique manuscripts.
Khaled Saber El-Sharif, Director of the Museum, emphasized the importance of the acquisition, highlighting the inclusion of the initial draft manuscript of the Holy Quran according to the Warsh recitation, as transmitted by Imam Nafi. Also among the artifacts are the original designs for Algerian currency and banknotes, including the first ten dinar silver coin.
The collection boasts 23 original works by calligrapher Sharifi, encompassing Quranic verses, supplications, and invocations. A particularly notable piece is the proof used in the decoration of the Abdelhamid Ben Badis Mosque in Algiers.
Further adding to its significance, the donation includes a selection of international medals and certificates awarded to Sharifi, as well as artwork by his students, demonstrating the continuity of artistic tradition and the connection between generations.
Following the handover ceremony, a delegation from the Grand Mosque participated in the opening session of the 16th “Algerian Scholar Medal” event, held at the Mosque’s Cultural Center. The Head of the Scientific Council delivered a speech praising the occasion and commending the efforts of the honored scholars in the service of science and knowledge. He also underscored the importance of preserving Algeria’s artistic and intellectual heritage. This acquisition signifies a major step in preserving Algerian Islamic art.
