Algeria has unveiled a massive mosque on its Mediterranean coastline following years of political turmoil that delayed its completion. It is reported to be the third-largest mosque globally, the largest in Africa, and the biggest outside Islam’s holiest cities, with a prayer room that can hold 120,000 people. Former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika initiated the mosque project with the vision of making it the largest in Africa. He envisioned it as his lasting contribution and wanted to name it “Abdelaziz Bouteflika Mosque,” similar to the Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco. The Mosque Hassan II in Morocco, dedicated to the former King of Morocco, a neighbour and regional rival of Algeria, was previously promoted as the largest in Africa.

Source: Punch February 27, 2024 00:23 UTC