Launch of construction works for Algiers Grand Mosque, the world’s 3rd largest

Religious affairs Minister Bouabdallah Ghlamallay today attended with other officials the ceremony for the launching of the buildings works of the Grand Mosque of Algiers, a $1.3-billion project that should become the world’s third largest mosque.

• The Chinese Ambassador to Algiers and other diplomats were also in attendance.

• China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) was last month awarded the contract to build the huge monument, facing the sea in the east of Algiers, over four years.

• Religious Affairs Minister Bouabdallah Ghlamallah declared that the grand mosque which will overlook the seafront in the east of Algiers would be a “one-of-a-kind “.

• “There will be nothing like it in the world — religiously, touristically and economically,” he said as the deal was signed with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

• The mega mosque will sit on 20 hectares of land in the Mohammadia area of the capital Algiers, with its minaret soaring soaring 270 metres into the sky.

• The one billion euro ($1.3-billion) house of Muslim worship will be able to 120,000 people and will also feature a library containing one million works and seating for 2,000, as well as a museum and a research centre.

• It will be the world’s third largest mosque after those in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

• Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika “wants to leave his mark” through the building of the mosque, which will also become the fourth grand mosque in Algiers, Ghlamallah added.

• “The Construction works will start today after the signing of the contract and should be completed in 42 months,” the minister said.

• The Chinese company, which has been in Algeria for the past 30 years and built the five largest hotels in the country, beat out a Lebanese-Italian concern and an Algerian-Spanish company for the lucrative contract.

• Algiers currently has three grand mosques: Djamaa el-Kebir, built in the 11th century; Djamaa el-Djedid, built in 1660; and the Ketchaoua, at the foot of the Casbah, also built during the Ottoman period in the 17th century.