Abu Marwan Mosque or Bou Marwan is an ancient Ottoman mosque located in the northern part of the Casbah of Annaba in the city of Annaba. It is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Algeria and an important religious symbol.
Foundation
This urban landmark was established more than ten centuries ago. Its design was initiated in the latter half of the 4th century AH (Islamic calendar) and was completed in the year 425 AH during the rule of the Zirid dynasty, under the reign of Al-Mu’izz ibn Badis Al-Sanhaji. The Andalusian architect Abu Laith Al-Buni oversaw its construction, which follows the Andalusian style, built on cylindrical pillars. The mosque played distinctive roles, ranging from education to defending against attacks from the northern Mediterranean. It also served as a religious, educational, and military institution. The mosque was named after Abu Marwan, a reference to Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ibn Ali al-Azdari, who was born in Seville and established the first religious university at the mosque, where military and religious sciences were taught. In the past, the mosque’s lower side housed what was known as the Ribaat Garden, which served as a club for naval officers. After the French occupation in 1830, it was converted into a hospital, and an upper floor was added to the original building. The Ribaat Garden was separated from the mosque.
The mosque also suffered severe damage and was closed in 1964 after the explosion of the arms ship “Star of Alexandria” in the port, which damaged the old city’s buildings overlooking the port. It was later restored and reopened, and now the mosque stands as an unparalleled masterpiece.
Abu Marwan Mosque or Bou Marwan is an ancient Ottoman mosque located in the northern part of the Casbah of Annaba in the city of Annaba. It is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Algeria and an important religious symbol.
Foundation
This urban landmark was established more than ten centuries ago. Its design was initiated in the latter half of the 4th century AH (Islamic calendar) and was completed in the year 425 AH during the rule of the Zirid dynasty, under the reign of Al-Mu’izz ibn Badis Al-Sanhaji. The Andalusian architect Abu Laith Al-Buni oversaw its construction, which follows the Andalusian style, built on cylindrical pillars. The mosque played distinctive roles, ranging from education to defending against attacks from the northern Mediterranean. It also served as a religious, educational, and military institution. The mosque was named after Abu Marwan, a reference to Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ibn Ali al-Azdari, who was born in Seville and established the first religious university at the mosque, where military and religious sciences were taught. In the past, the mosque’s lower side housed what was known as the Ribaat Garden, which served as a club for naval officers. After the French occupation in 1830, it was converted into a hospital, and an upper floor was added to the original building. The Ribaat Garden was separated from the mosque.
The mosque also suffered severe damage and was closed in 1964 after the explosion of the arms ship “Star of Alexandria” in the port, which damaged the old city’s buildings overlooking the port. It was later restored and reopened, and now the mosque stands as an unparalleled masterpiece.
