National Center Documents 650 Old Mosques at Book Fair

The National Center for Documentation, Press, Image, and Information is participating in the 29th Algiers International Book Fair with a significant new publication titled "Old Mosques in Algeria: Spiritual and Architectural Heritage." This release, highlighted by Ms. Hayat Haidab, Studies Officer at the Center, to El Massa, marks an important contribution to documenting Algeria's rich cultural and religious legacy. The publication is presented as a high-quality volume, spanning 700 pages, with its cover art inspired by Algerian Zellige, an intricate tilework tradition.

The comprehensive work delves into the history of more than 650 ancient mosques found throughout Algeria. It provides extensive historical data for each mosque, including its establishment date, founder, precise location, and a detailed technical card. These technical descriptions encompass various architectural elements such as prayer halls, arcades, mihrab courtyards, column counts, and documented inscriptions with their respective dates. Beyond textual information, the book also features rare photographs of these mosques, drawn from the Center's extensive archives, offering a visual journey through Algeria's spiritual landmarks.

This new publication underscores Algeria's profound spiritual and architectural heritage, which includes over 1,000 ancient mosques among the 18,449 mosques present nationwide. The construction of religious institutions in Algeria began in the second half of the first Hijri century, corresponding to the seventh century CE, coinciding with the early periods of Islamic conquests in the region. The National Center for Documentation, Press, Image, and Information has previously issued notable works, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of Algerian history and culture.