The Sidi Lembarek Mosque is an Islamic religious building located in Khenguet Sidi Nadji, in the Wilaya of Biskra, Algeria. Built in 1602, it is considered the first building erected in this locality.
History
The mosque was founded by Sidi Lembarek, son of Sidi Nadji, a pious man originally from Tunisia who settled in the region at the beginning of the 17th century. The site was chosen for its strategic position, between mountains offering natural protection, and the presence of water sources like the Oued Laarab and the Seguia of Sidi Moussa.
The architecture of the mosque is inspired by the Tunisian style, particularly by the Great Mosque of Kairouan, both in its design and in the construction techniques used.
During the French colonial period, from 1849, the mosque was preserved despite the establishment of a military garrison nearby. It retained its central role for the local community.
After Algeria’s independence, the mosque continued to play an important role in the religious and social life of Khenguet Sidi Nadji, although the development of new neighborhoods gradually reduced its attendance.
Architecture
The mosque has an irregular rectangular plan, resulting from several extensions over time. It includes:
- A main prayer hall measuring 20.8 m x 13.9 m, consisting of 7 naves perpendicular to the qibla wall and 5 parallel naves.
- A rectangular base minaret (3.83 m x 3.31 m) and 16.5 m in height, built of earth.
- A trapezoidal courtyard serving as a distribution space.
- A two-story medersa (Quranic school) adjoining the mosque.
- A small cemetery.
Notable architectural elements include:
- A decorated mihrab, flanked by two stone columns equipped with a seismic detection system.
- A wooden minbar carved with geometric patterns.
- A main dome above the mihrab.
- Vaulted ceilings in the prayer hall.
The main construction materials are earth, stone, wood, and lime. The relatively simple interior decoration includes carvings on plaster, stone, and wood, as well as some colored stained glass.
Current Situation
Although still active, the Sidi Lembarek Mosque faces conservation challenges related to the gradual depopulation of the old village of Khenguet Sidi Nadji. Restoration work has been undertaken, particularly on the roof and some degraded parts, but further efforts are needed to preserve this important architectural and religious heritage.
The Sidi Lembarek Mosque is an Islamic religious building located in Khenguet Sidi Nadji, in the Wilaya of Biskra, Algeria. Built in 1602, it is considered the first building erected in this locality.
History
The mosque was founded by Sidi Lembarek, son of Sidi Nadji, a pious man originally from Tunisia who settled in the region at the beginning of the 17th century. The site was chosen for its strategic position, between mountains offering natural protection, and the presence of water sources like the Oued Laarab and the Seguia of Sidi Moussa.
The architecture of the mosque is inspired by the Tunisian style, particularly by the Great Mosque of Kairouan, both in its design and in the construction techniques used.
During the French colonial period, from 1849, the mosque was preserved despite the establishment of a military garrison nearby. It retained its central role for the local community.
After Algeria’s independence, the mosque continued to play an important role in the religious and social life of Khenguet Sidi Nadji, although the development of new neighborhoods gradually reduced its attendance.
Architecture
The mosque has an irregular rectangular plan, resulting from several extensions over time. It includes:
- A main prayer hall measuring 20.8 m x 13.9 m, consisting of 7 naves perpendicular to the qibla wall and 5 parallel naves.
- A rectangular base minaret (3.83 m x 3.31 m) and 16.5 m in height, built of earth.
- A trapezoidal courtyard serving as a distribution space.
- A two-story medersa (Quranic school) adjoining the mosque.
- A small cemetery.
Notable architectural elements include:
- A decorated mihrab, flanked by two stone columns equipped with a seismic detection system.
- A wooden minbar carved with geometric patterns.
- A main dome above the mihrab.
- Vaulted ceilings in the prayer hall.
The main construction materials are earth, stone, wood, and lime. The relatively simple interior decoration includes carvings on plaster, stone, and wood, as well as some colored stained glass.
Current Situation
Although still active, the Sidi Lembarek Mosque faces conservation challenges related to the gradual depopulation of the old village of Khenguet Sidi Nadji. Restoration work has been undertaken, particularly on the roof and some degraded parts, but further efforts are needed to preserve this important architectural and religious heritage.
