Standing in the heart of Blida since the Ottoman era (1750), El-Hanafai Mosque is a masterpiece of history and faith. With its elegant arches, Ottoman inscriptions, and towering minaret, it’s more than a place of prayer—it’s a living monument of Algeria’s heritage.

Historical & Cultural Significance

• Built in 1750 during the Ottoman era, the mosque was initially designed for the Hanafi school of thought, later transitioning to the more prevalent Maliki rite in the Maghreb
• It stands as a rich historical monument in Blida’s old quarter, near the bustling Souika market, and remains a cherished site for both worship and architectural heritage

Location & Structure

• Situated in Blida’s historic core, the mosque’s west façade opens onto Rezouq-Zaimi Street, with other sides aligned to adjacent traditional streets and colonial-era buildings
• The mosque exudes a simple yet elegant design, featuring a single main entrance flanked symmetrically by two windows turned into extra doors to accommodate more worshippers

Architectural Highlights

• The prayer hall is organized into four aisles, separated by three rows of five Hammadite-style columns each—a structural pattern found in other historic North African mosques
• Arch design incorporates the traditional broken arch (عقد منكسر), a classic feature in Islamic-Algerian architecture seen in places like Ténès, Constantine, and Tlemcen
• Decorative elements are understated, with one notable exception: the green-and-white zellige (tilework) above the original doorframe, which includes Ottoman-era Turkish inscriptions (1828) honoring Dey Hussein Pasha’s restoration efforts
• The minaret is octagonal and approximately 35 meters tall, closely resembling the one at the Saffir Mosque in Algiers Algerie360Tripadvisor.

Prayer Facilities & Interior

• A marble ablution fountain adorns the center of the wudu area; from there, worshippers ascend via stairs to the spacious prayer hall, which accommodates around 400 worshippers
• The design and layout preserve the Ottoman and traditional Algerian architectural spirit, offering a serene spiritual ambiance while reflecting the evolution of religious practices over centuries

Preservation & Restoration

• El-Hanafai Mosque has undergone several rounds of restoration—most recently, an extensive project focused on repairing the roof, ablution area, and other key structures, with work carried out over roughly 45 days under cultural and religious authorities to preserve its original aesthetic
• The mosque had suffered significant damage from the 1825 earthquake, prompting previous restorations that weren’t always sensitive to its original architecture—a concern still recognized by heritage experts today

Visitor Impressions

• According to a traveler review, El-Hanafai Mosque is a historically rich and spiritually resonant site, often highlighted as a must-visit in the “city of roses”
• Its location in the old urban grid, surrounded by narrow alleyways and near the popular souk, gives it an intimate, authentic feel—though access and parking may be limited