Architectural Influence of the Islamic University Mosque on New Mosques in Constantine: A Comparative Study

Algeria's post-independence quest for cultural revitalization and architectural identity led to the creation of the Islamic University Mosque of Emir Abdelkader in Constantine. This mosque, a symbol of contemporary architectural heritage, heavily influenced modern mosque designs in the city. This research thoroughly examines this architectural influence through architectural analysis techniques, including on-site evaluations, comparisons, and scrutiny of manuscripts and blueprints. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between the architectural elements of the Islamic University Mosque (such as azure tiles, square-based minarets, and ribbed domes) and the designs of three modern mosques in Constantine: Ibn Al-Arabi, El-Haddad, and Al-Wihda. It demonstrates how these elements seamlessly integrated into the design of these contemporary mosques, emphasizing the profound impact of the Islamic University Mosque on modern religious architecture in Constantine. Through these architectural resemblances, this research underscores the pivotal role played by the Islamic University Mosque of Emir Abdelkader in shaping the contemporary religious architectural landscape of Constantine. The findings contribute to our understanding of the mosque's cultural and architectural significance within the broader context of Algerian heritage. Furthermore, this study not only highlights the influence of the Islamic University Mosque but also provides deep insights into the evolving architectural expressions of religious identity in Algeria. It enriches the fields of architectural history and cultural studies by emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of this architectural masterpiece.