Inventory of Pacha Mosque’s heritage to be launched

An inventory of the heritage of Pacha Mosque in the district of Sidi El Houari in Oran (432 km west of Algiers) will be launched next week, said Oran’s regional branch of the National Office for the Management of Protected Cultural Property, the operation’s initiator. This operation will concern old books and manuscripts, chandeliers and other objects found in this religious building, which is known as “The Great mosque,” in anticipation of its restoration. A clean-up campaign will be conducted in the mosque with the participation of a team of archeologists from Oran, the Culture Directorate, municipal services and associations. According to historical data, Pacha Mosque, listed as a national heritage in 1952, was built in 1796 in the era of Bey Mohamed El Kebir. This architectural jewel, built of stones cut in octagonal shape, is endowed with a minaret overhanging the neighborhood’s houses and which is considered as the most beautiful one in Algeria.