Gallery
Description
Property Name: El Méchouar Mosque
Inventory No: 213-43-4
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-21
Country (State party): Algeria
Province : Tlemcen
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 34° 52′ 50.29″ N
1° 18′ 33.98″ W
Historic Period: 13th century, 2nd half
Year of Construction:
Style: Marinid
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
The mosque is built by Abu Hammu Musa I. It has a rectangular minaret, which is 25 meters high and crowned with a lantern-turret. All sides of the minaret is covered with ceramic mosaic. The mosque was constructed in El Méchouar (Mishwar), nearly one century later on the site of the former citadel and residence of Tlemcen sultans.
Selection Criteria
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The prayer hall of the mosque was modified several times throughout its history. The only original remaining element is the minaret. During the Ottoman period, the plan of the mosque was altered and its interior decoration was changed. During the Colonial period, the mosque was converted to a church. Later, the building was reverted to its original function and restored. The restoration works carried out between 2002 and 2012, it was tried to resemble this structure to its original simulate. Nowadays, the mosque is in very good condition.
References
Qantara Mediterranean Heritage Web Site: http://www.qantara-med.org
Michell, George (ed), Architecture of the Islamic World, Thames & Hudson, London, 1996.