Jami' al-Kabir (Algiers)

Algiers, Algeria

Measuring approximately 38 by 46 meters, the great mosque of Algiers is based on a 9 by 11 grid, with the prayer hall found under the first 5 of the 9 bays running parallel to the qibla wall. The courtyard is subsumed within the outer bays of the structure. As an early Almoravid building, it does not yet fully display the distinctive T-shaped plan characteristic of later Almoravid mosques, although its central aisle is wider than the others.

Sources:

Oleg Grabar, et al. "Islamic art." In Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online, http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/article/grove/art/T041771pg8 [accessed July 3, 2009].

Ali Lafer, et al. "Djama'a al-Kebir (Great Mosque)." In Museum With No Frontiers: Discover Islamic Art, http://www.discoverislamicart.org [accessed July 3, 2009].