Algeria known as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean” is at the crossroads of three worlds Mediterranean, Arab & African.
A thread on the beautiful Islamic architecture & rich heritage of Algeria…
1/ Dar Mustapha Pacha, Algeria
A Moorish palace, located in the Casbah of Algiers. It houses the National Museum of Miniatures, Illumination and Calligraphy.
It was built by the future Dey Mustapha Pacha between 1798 and 1799.
2/ Sidi Ahcen, Sétif, Algeria
Built by Sidi Ahcen in 1203, beautiful details of the architecture.
3/ Emir Abdelkader Mosque, Constantine, Algeria
Opened in 1994 it is the second largest mosque in Algeria after Djamaa Al Djazair and can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers.
4/ Constantine (Cirta), Algeria
Constantine in Algeria 🇩🇿 is one of the world’s oldest cities.
It became the capital of the Numidian Kingdom under the name Cirta. Destroyed by Maxence in 311CE, it was rebuilt shortly afterwards by Emperor Constantine who named it after himself.
5/ Ghardaïa, Algeria
Part of a pentapolis, a hilltop city amongst four others, built almost 1000 years ago in the M'Zab valley. It was founded by the Mozabites, an Ibadi sect of the Amazigh Muslims. It is a major centre of date production and the manufacture of rugs and cloths.
6/ Oran, Algeria
Known as the birthplace of rai folk music. The whitewashed Chapelle Santa Cruz, built after a cholera epidemic. In La Blanca, the Turkish old town, is the 18th-century Pacha Mosque with an octagonal minaret. Nearby, Kasr El Bey is an Ottoman palace.
7/ Tlemcen, Algeria
Former seat of the Ziyanid caliphate, the Mechouar Palace is located inside a large citadel in central Tlemcen. Built in the 12th century, it has recently been restored to its original splendor. It has a similar design to the palace of Al Hambra in Granada.
8/ Casbah of Algiers, Algeria
Algiers palace located in the Casbah of Algiers in Algeria. Currently, it houses the national museum of illumination, miniature and calligraphy of Algiers. The palace was built by Mustapha Pasha between 1798 and 1799.
9/ El Hamma Garden, Algiers, Algeria
The Test Garden of Hamma is a 32-hectare botanical garden located in the Mohamed Belouizdad district of Algiers. Established in 1832 it is a natural museum & includes more than 2,500 species of plants and perennial trees for hundreds of years
10/ Tlemcen, Algeria
The Andalusian studies center. Tlemlcen is a city in northern Algeria known for Moorish buildings, such as the 11th-century Grand Mosque, 12th-century tomb of Sidi Boumediene adjacent to a mosque is an example of Almoravid architecture, with carved stucco.
11/ Casbah of Algiers, Algeria
A gaze at the back of the room that served as the office of the American consul in Algiers in the early years of French colonization
12/ Oran, Algeria
A major coastal city located in the north-west of Algeria. Considered the 2nd most important city of Algeria after the capital Algiers. A French département in Algeria existing from 1848 until 1974 - see the French colonial influences in the architecture.
13/ El Mechouar, Tlemcen, Algeria
Mechouar Palace is the former official residence of the Zayyanid dynasty. The palace is situated in the middle of the city, and used to be part of the greater Mechouar Citadel which no longer exists except for the palace and the outer wall.
14/ Zaouïa Tijania, Touggourt, Algeria
Built in 1805 the beautiful colourful interior of Mosquée de la Zaouia Tijania.
15/ Casbah of Algiers, Algeria
The Ketchaoua Mosque. While Algeria was under French colonial rule, this historic mosque was turned into a Christian cathedral. After the end of the Algerian War of Independence in 1962, it was returned to its original purpose, as a mosque.
16/ Boussâada, Algeria
Also known as the "City of Happiness!" It has never ceased to inspire artists worldwide, especially painters, who have immortalised the city in their unique works. A beautiful aerial shot of the landscape.
17/ Tlemcen, Algeria
Details from El Mansourah (the victorious) Mosque built by the Marinid of Fez in 1307.
18/ Annaba, Algeria
A beauty shot from the port city in northeast Algeria. On the Cours de la Révolution, the main street with a broad central promenade, architecture reflects the city’s French colonial past.
19/ Ghardaia, Algeria
A birdseye view - a colourful expression of the beauty of the city
20/ Bardo Palace, Algiers, Algeria
Bardo palace is a living example of what a Fahs residency looks like. Built during the 18th century. It is now a museum that houses two large collections within its walls. Beautiful interior details
21/ Zemmoura, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria
Bordj Zemoura is a town and commune in Bordj Bou Arréridj Province, Algeria. You can see Mesjid ben Hidous at the top of this picturesque town.
22/ Architecture in Algiers, Algeria
Algeria is known for its decorated doors. Beautiful architectural details in the capital city of Algiers.
23/ Tamanrasset, Algeria by day
Also known as Tamanghasset or Tamenghest, is an oasis city and capital of Tamanrasset Province in southern Algeria, in the Ahaggar Mountains. It is the chief city of the Algerian Tuareg.
24/ Tamanrasset, Algeria by night
Also known as Tamanghasset or Tamenghest, is an oasis city and capital of Tamanrasset Province in southern Algeria, in the Ahaggar Mountains. It is the chief city of the Algerian Tuareg.
If you like this thread, join us at our forthcoming Islamic Art & Culture Digital Festival, happening online - 28 & 29 November.
At the festival, a theme we will explore is Islamic Art & Sacred Spaces
The art of calligraphy on a dried leaf was practised widely in Ottoman Turkey. This was difficult & delicate work. The leaf was dried, & the tissue removed to leave the skeletal membrane, with gold ink applied over it.
Here are 22 exquisite examples, past & present
A thread…
1/ Calligraphy Leaf
Ottoman, Turkey
19th century
Golden calligraphy on a tree leaf. Many feature verses written from the Qu’ran, Hadith prayers and poetry.
A rare calligraphic composition in gold on a large natural leaf incorporating the hilyeh, the physical attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) signed by Muhammad Helmi, a pupil of Mustafa Izzet Effendi.
Horizontal sundial, with a depiction of the Ka’ba in the centre.
Constructed for the latitude of Istanbul, this is one of the more unusual examples of instruments.
The inside of the box with a compass and compass rose in twelve directions, divided into degrees, with painted medallion view of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This instrument, was made exclusively for Medina.
Scholars of Islamic culture contributed significantly to botany, herbals & healing, improving knowledge of plants. They classified plants into those that grow from cuttings, those that grow from seed, & those that grow spontaneously
A thread on botany & art in Islamic culture…
1/ The Holy Qur’an provided the initial impetus for the investigation of herbs by Islamic writers, as plants are named in the depiction of Paradise & are used as signs of the Creator’s power and majesty. Inspired by their faith, Muslims worked extensively in this area
2/ Muslim scholars also commissioned botanical studies due to the need for research on medicinal plants, to respond to medical needs & contribute to the physical & mental health of the community. They created the context of the advent of pharmacology in Islamic civilization
This is the dance of Jupiter & Mars, as they orbit around the sun. A spectacular display of geometry!
Islamic geometry has a spiritual dimension, reflecting the order of the universe.
Here are 21 contemporary Islamic artists, inspired by the wonders of the cosmos…
A thread…
1/ Artist Neslihan Enkinci creates contemporary Islamic art inspired by the cosmos. This work is called ‘The Loop’ it reflects the entire universe and life as a never-ending cycle…
2/ Artist Julia Ibbini uses algorithms and new technologies to create Islamic geometric paper cut works inspired by the universe…
Perched on top of a steep cliff & surrounded by breathtaking Mediterranean views, Sidi Bou Said is a charming town in northern Tunisia, named after a 13th century Sufi saint, while a French baron is widely credited for its blue & white colour scheme
A thread on Sidi Bou Said…
1/ With its distinctive blue-and-white color scheme, cobbled streets and jaw-dropping glimpses of azure waters, the cliff-top village of Sidi Bou Saïd is one of the prettiest spots in Tunisia
2/ Named after a 13th-century Sufi saint, its distinctive architecture is a mix of the Ottoman and the Andalusian, a result of the influx of Spanish Muslims in the 16th century
In Muslim countries, tea is more than just a hot drink. It is very important to the heritage, traditions and cultures in which it originates.
To start the weekend, we celebrate the art of tea, with 24 different types of tea from across the Muslim world…
A thread…
1/ Moroccan Mint Tea
Made by steeping green tea with a generous handful of spearmint leaves, it is sometimes also made with other types of mint or herbs, and traditionally served in small glass cups
2/ Persian Chai
Black tea, called chai in Farsi, is one of the most popular drinks in Iran. It is so popular that it is more than just a drink – it is part of Persian culture. Black tea leaves are boiled with cardamom pods for the perfect Persian chai