Islam has a long and rich history in Algiers, Algeria, dating back to the 7th century following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The region was conquered by Arab Muslim armies in the mid-7th century, and over time, Islam gradually spread throughout the region.
Algiers became an important center of Islamic culture and learning in the centuries that followed, with many important scholars, philosophers, and theologians living and working in the city. Islamic influence is visible in many aspects of daily life in Algiers, including food, music, art, and architecture.
One of the most significant events in Algiers’ Islamic history occurred in the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire conquered the city. The Ottomans ruled over Algiers for more than 300 years, and during this time, they significantly influenced the city’s cultural and architectural landscape. Many important Islamic landmarks were built during this period, including the Kasbah, which is a fortified citadel that is now home to many historical landmarks, including the Palace of the Dey.
In the 19th century, Algiers was colonized by France, and the country remained under French rule for more than a century. During this period, many important changes occurred in Algiers’ cultural and religious landscape, including the introduction of new European-style buildings and the suppression of Islamic cultural practices.
Following Algeria’s independence in 1962, Islam became a central part of the country’s national identity, and efforts were made to reinvigorate Islamic culture and traditions in Algiers and throughout the country. Many important Islamic landmarks and institutions were restored and revitalized during this period, including the Great Mosque of Algiers, which was renovated in the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, Islam remains a dominant force in Algiers and throughout Algeria, with the majority of the population practicing Sunni Islam. The city is home to many important Islamic landmarks, including mosques, palaces, and other historical sites that reflect the city’s rich Islamic heritage and cultural identity.