Mosquee Ibn-Fares (Ben Fares Mosque), Algiers

The Ben Fares Mosque, formerly known as the Great Synagogue of Algiers, holds a rich history of religious and cultural transitions. Initially named "Mosque of the Jews," the site was originally occupied by a mosque founded in 1400, dedicated to Sidi Al Harbi, a revered saint of Algiers. However, following the French occupation of Algeria in 1830, the mosque was destroyed, and the land was sold to the Jewish community, who erected a synagogue on the site in 1845.

For decades, the synagogue served as a place of worship for the Jewish community in Algiers. However, following the Civil War in Algeria and the departure of many Jewish residents, who held French nationality, the synagogue was abandoned in 1994. Subsequently, the site underwent a transformation, and the synagogue was converted into the Ben Fares Mosque.

The name of the mosque, Ben Fares, is derived from Ali Abdul Aziz ibn Fares, a historical figure who fled Andalusia following its fall in 1492. Ben Fares sought refuge in Bejaia before settling in Algiers, specifically in the Kasbah district where the mosque is located. The renaming of the mosque to Ben Fares reflects the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Algeria, showcasing the intersections of different religious communities and their contributions to the country's heritage. Today, the Ben Fares Mosque stands as a symbol of religious diversity and tolerance, embodying the spirit of coexistence that characterizes Algerian society.