The Dean of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Dr. Shamseddine Hafiz, believes the ongoing crisis in Algerian-French relations stems from the unresolved legacy of French colonialism. He argues that this sensitive issue remains a central obstacle to building a stable and balanced diplomatic relationship between Algiers and Paris.
Dr. Hafiz emphasizes that a frank and ethical reckoning with the past is necessary to move forward. He made these remarks during an appearance on the ‘Right and Left’ program on El Khabar TV.
Paris Mosque: An Extension of Algerian Sovereignty
Dr. Hafiz firmly stated that the Grand Mosque of Paris has always been intrinsically linked to Algeria. He explained that the association ‘Habous and Islamic Holy Places,’ which owns the mosque, was founded in Algeria in 1917. Its statutes were registered with the Algiers court, and its headquarters were located in the Grand Mosque of Algiers.
He further noted that Sheikh Qaddour Ben Ghabrit, the mosque’s founder, returned to Algeria after World War I to amend the association’s statutes in preparation for building the mosque in Paris, while maintaining Algeria as its legal and spiritual reference point.
Algerian Funding: An Open Agreement
Addressing the mosque’s funding, Dr. Hafiz clarified that prior to Algerian independence, funding came through the French administration, as Algeria was then a French province. After independence, while the political landscape changed, the spiritual and historical connection remained.
He highlighted the pivotal year of 1982, when the late Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid, in an official and public agreement with the French state, decided that Algeria would finance the Grand Mosque of Paris and send appointed imams. He stressed that this funding was transparent, legally framed, and known to French authorities, similar to funding arrangements between other nations.
“Algerian sovereignty is not managed under pressure,” Dr. Hafiz stated, implying that Algeria will not compromise its principles in its relationship with France.
