Overview:

The Great Mosque of Tlemcen is an important religious and cultural landmark in Algeria. It is an imposing and stately edifice located in the Fondouk District of ancient historic Tlemcen, Algeria. The mosque was built in the 11th century under the Zirid dynasty, with further embellishments to its structure done in the 14th and 16th centuries. It is a stunning sight that exemplifies the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. Constructed with an eight sided plan and four daunting minarets, the mosque is a beautiful architectural and aesthetic phenomenon. The central dome has a height of 56.5 meters. A grand arched courtyard in front of the mosque suits visitors with multiple prayer rooms, and is often the preferred location for traditional prayer sessions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

The Great Mosque of Tlemcen is one of the most prominent monuments in the Islamic world, located in Tlemcen, Algeria. The mosque is the largest in the city and has been an important religious, cultural and social center since its construction in the 12th century. The mosque is considered to be the jewel of Almohad architecture and is noted for its elaborate beauty and symmetry. The site is remarkable for its immense size, stunning stonework, and impressive domes. The exterior of the mosque is decorated with intricate Kufic inscriptions, while the interior is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and arabesque designs. The Great Mosque of Tlemcen is a popular tourist attraction and a popular venue for religious ceremonies and events. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

The Great Mosque of Tlemcen is located in the city of Tlemcen in Algeria. It was built in the 1082 CE by Abd al Mu'min, the founder of Algeria’s Almoravid Dynasty. The mosque stands today as an iconic symbol of the Medieval Muslims who built it from the city’s more than 900 years of history. The mosque’s architecture and design are accredited to the Muslim Touareg people, a nomadic community who have resided in Tlemcen for centuries. According to sources, the mosque was founded as a result of a dream by the leader of the Touareg, who encouraged Abd al Mu’min to build a great mosque in his city. Its construction was completed in 1073, and has remained standing ever since then. The mosque was constructed using traditional North African materials such as wood, mud brick, and lime mortar plastered to the walls. Inside the mosque, there are two minarets and a large mihrab, which is an important feature for any Islamic house of worship. The mosque also has two towers, although only one remains today. The mosque has a significant function as a spiritual house of worship for its many visitors, especially those from the surrounding towns and villages who look to it for spiritual guidance during the holy month of Ramadan. The mosque also serves as a place of education for local children, where the Quran is taught, and is also a popular spot for recreational activities such as picnics, barbeques, and other social events. The Great Mosque of Tlemcen has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the years. The most recent updates and improvements were completed in 2007, which included restoration of the minarets and domes, and the addition of a contemporary dromos portico. Today, the mosque stands as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, where it continues to serve as a place of worship, education and recreation for its visitors. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Great Mosque of Tlemcen is one of the oldest and most important monuments in Algeria. 2. It was built in 1136, by the Almoravid Dynasty, with a prayer hall which has 224 decorated columns. 3. It was declared part of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. 4. It is one of the few mosques in the Islamic world that still has the Mihrab from the original 11th Century building. 5. It houses a rare, historically important collection of illuminated manuscripts and Arabic calligraphy which date back to the 16th Century. 6. The mausoleum of the Almoravid dynasty is located inside the Great Mosque and is the final resting place for the ancient rulers of the region. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era