Editorial photo #4268082 Human Interest

The Grand Mosque Of Algiers

Algiers, May 04, 2019 Algeria: The Grand Mosque of Algiers, also known as Djamaa el Djazair, is the largest mosque in Africa and must open its doors. Facing the sea, the Great Mosque of Algiers, colossal work of Abdelaziz Bouteflika pushed to resign by demonstrations on April 2, would have cost two billion US dollars for construction. The mega-mosque complex covers an area of 400,000 square meters, making it the third largest mosque in the world. Its 20,000 square meter prayer room is designed to accommodate 37,000 worshipers at a time. The giant mosque also includes the world's tallest minaret, 265 meters high, designed to withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. The project was overseen by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), which has deployed approximately 2,300 engineers, construction officials and workers from China, Algeria and other African countries. Construction began in August 2012 (Photo by Billal Bensalem/NurPhoto)