Ketchaoua Mosque: A Symbol of Algiers

The Ketchaoua Mosque, also known as Djamaa Ketchaoua, is a prominent mosque in Algiers, located in the historic Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its location at the foot of the Casbah's steep stairways made it a focal point of pre-colonial Algiers.The mosque's history is deeply intertwined with the city's past. While some accounts suggest a mosque existed on the site as early as the 14th century, confirmed records date back to 1612 during the Ottoman period. In 1838, after the French conquest, it was converted into the Cathedral of St. Philippe. This conversion involved demolishing the old mosque and constructing a new church, which remained a cathedral until Algeria's independence in 1962. The restoration of the cathedral back into the Ketchaoua Mosque is seen as a symbol of Algeria's recovered identity.The mosque's architecture is a captivating blend of Moorish and Byzantine designs. The main entrance is reached by a flight of 23 steps, leading to an ornamented portico supported by four black-veined marble columns. Inside, arcades of white marble columns create a stunning visual effect, enhanced by intricate Moorish plasterwork. Two octagonal minarets flank the entrance, showcasing Byzantine and Moorish decorations.