Overview:

Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a fortified citadel and palace complex located near the town of M'Sila in Algeria. It was built in 1007 by the Hammadid Dynasty, an independent Berber dynasty that ruled present-day Algeria and Tunisia from 1010 to 1152. The site includes a palace, a mosque, two libraries, and an Islamic college known as a madrassa. It is considered a prime example of Islamic architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

1. The Great Mosque of Beni Hammad: Built in 1007, the Great Mosque of Beni Hammad is the most prominent structure inside the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad. The mosque was designed in the style of the famous Medina Mosque of Damascus. Its main entrance is extremely ornated with a horseshoe patterned arch. 2. The walls: This fortified city is surrounded by Nejjarine-styled walls constructed from earth and stone. They are a combination of various styles of Islamic architecture that predate the Islamic period, such as the Islamic style walled-in city. 3. The Refuges: The city was constructed in such a way that it features four refuges, the first one located at what is called the entrance. These four refuges are basically built around a central garden which served as a court. 4. The Minaret of Al-Kik: This 11th century minaret is one of the most unique architectural features of the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad. It stands out due its white-washed construction and distinct domed design. 5. The Taibar: This is an entry gate that formerly served as the principal palace gateway. One of the key architectural details includes the two reliefs featuring lions that have become an emblem of the fortress. 6. The Taibar of Sultan Ibrahim: Situated on the northern wall of the fortress, this Taibar was constructed by Sultan Ibrahim al-Mansur. The most prominent feature of this entrance gate is a big horseshoe arch located at the centre. 7. The Al-Qala: This is the main courtyard of the fortress. Its flat pavement is surrounded by seven towers, two of which are topped by domes. It also includes a secret garden, two wells and a kitchen. 8. The Palace of the Guich: This palace was constructed during the reign of Sultan Zian ad-Din Abou Maâran and is one of the most distinctive structures inside the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad. Its unique facade is ornated with various architectural elements featuring animal and vegetal motifs. 9. The Aqueduct: The Aqueduct was constructed in order to transport water from a spring located 4.5km away from the fortress. Its construction required the diversion of a river as well as the building of a tunnel through rock. 10. The Water Reservoirs: This is one of the most distinguishing features of the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad. Constructed to store the water brought through the aqueduct, the reservoirs still stand as a remarkable reminder of the city's engineering accomplishments. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad is located in the province of M’Sila in Algeria. It is an important archaeological site that served as the capital of the Hammadid dynasty from 1007 to 1152 CE. This city was constructed by the Emir of the Hammadid dynasty, Hammad ben Buluggin ibn Ziri. The city was a large walled city that straddled the M’Sila river. It was surrounded by a triangle of three mountains (Sidi Abdallah, Gouraya, and Chala). It was known for having very strong fortifications and several imposing structures, such as a grand palace, a palace for the emir, two watchtowers, several mosques, a rich library, and a strong military garrison. The city’s economy flourished due to trade between the Saharan and Mediterranean regions. Trade often included items such as ivory, carpets, gold, and spices. Additionally, the city also served as a center for Islamic orthodoxy and scholarship, which attracted religious scholars from across the region. In 1152 CE, the city was destroyed by the Almohad dynasty. The site was then abandoned for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 19th century by French archaeologists. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 because of its unique and rich architectural and archeological history. Today, the Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad remains an important archeological site, and continues to draw many visitors each year. Its importance to historical understanding of Algeria and the region has been well recognized and it continues to be a popular destination for those interested in the history of the Islamic world and North Africa. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad was the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty, a Berber dynasty that ruled in central Algeria in the 11th century CE. 2. The site was used as both a defensive mountain stronghold and a royal palace. 3. The site contains the remnants of two mosques, two palaces, nine palace-fortresses, a citadel, and more than 100 watchtowers. 4. Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is one of the few remaining medieval fortifications of its type in all of North Africa. 5. It was included on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1980. 6. Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is thought to be the inspiration for the legendary city of Aghlabid legend, an imaginary city filled with riches and wonders. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era