Architectural Ottoman Heritage in Constantine: Adaptations and Influences (Case of Mosques)

Abstrak

During the Ottoman era (fifteenth - eighteenth century), Algeria witnessed a flourishing period of Islamic art. Ottoman architectural masterpieces were characterized by unique stylistic touches and by their integration of the specific heritage of each region, drawing on local knowledge. Unfortunately, the design of contemporary mosques neglects the cultural context of their respective region. The Algerian city of Constantine, known for its rich heritage, especially in religious architecture, was famously called “the city of 100 mosques” before French colonization. Tragically, French colonial policies (1830–1962) systematically dismantled this heritage, converting mosques into churches or demolishing them; post-independence efforts often overlooked pre-colonial models. Today, only three mosques in Constantine - Sidi El-Kettani, Sidi Lakhdar, and Hassan Bey - have preserved elements of Ottoman architectural expression. For example, the Hassan Bey mosque reproduced, for the first time, a plan with several small cupolas without a large central dome, also referred to as the Ulu Cami mosque in Bursa, using local techniques such as shell-shaped squinches and Zellige tilework. This study analyzes these mosques through architectural monographs, revealing a hybrid "local Ottoman" style shaped by Ottomanization policies and regional craftsmanship. It underscores the urgency of preserving this legacy and its potential to inspire contemporary mosque design.