Pacha Mosque: A Testament to Oran's Ottoman Legacy

The Pacha Mosque, also known as Hassan Pacha Mosque, is a prominent historical and religious landmark in Oran, Algeria. Constructed in 1796 during the rule of Bey Mohamed El-Kebir, under the direction of Pasha Baba Hassan of Algiers, the mosque commemorates the expulsion of the Spanish from Oran. Hassan Pacha contributed financially to its construction using funds from the redemption of Christian captives. The mosque is located in the Sidi El-Houari district, on the right bank of the Oued Rhi (now covered). The mosque's architecture showcases a blend of Ottoman and Moorish styles. Its towering minaret, octagonal in shape and adorned with ceramic tiles, reflects Ottoman influence. The mosque entrance features intricate carvings, including rosettes, palmettes, and Quranic verses in Kufic script. The interior courtyard, surrounded by arches and columns, features a white marble ablution basin beneath a small dome. The prayer hall is nearly square, topped by an octagonal dome supported by twelve arches. Throughout its history, the Pacha Mosque has undergone several transformations. During the French occupation of Oran, French troops occupied the mosque. In 1833, it was returned to Muslim worship under General Demichel, and later restored by order of Napoleon III. In 2007, the U.S. government donated $100,000 for restoration efforts, sending experts in restoration and seismology. Today, the Pacha Mosque remains an important place of worship and a symbol of Oran's cultural and architectural heritage.