Abdullah Bin Salem Mosque: A Historical Landmark in Oran

The Abdullah Bin Salem Mosque, located in the Hai Karama district of Oran, is a significant landmark with a rich and complex history. Originally constructed as the Great Synagogue of Oran, also known as Temple Israélite, its construction began in 1879 under the initiative of Simon Kanoui and took nearly four decades to complete. The synagogue, completed in 1918, was designed in the Neo-Mudéjar and Moorish Revival styles, showcasing intricate details and vintage charm. The facade features two 20-meter-high towers covered with domes. Inside, three gates mounted with stained-glass panels open onto the nave, which is supported by columns of red marble. Following Algeria's independence in 1962, most Algerian Jews, who had been considered French citizens, relocated to France. In 1975, the building was converted into a mosque and renamed in honor of Abdullah ibn Salam, a 7th-century Jew from Medina who converted to Islam. Today, the Abdullah Bin Salem Mosque stands as a symbol of Oran's diverse cultural and religious history, attracting visitors with its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The mosque is centrally located, making it an accessible and essential point of interest for tourists seeking to appreciate Oran's heritage.