Historical Background of Mosque Ibn Saadoun
Mosque of Ibn Saadoun was built in the late 16th century late 9th to early 10th century of the Hijri calendar—during the Ottoman empire in Blida. The Sheikh Ibn Saadoun Construction aimed to create a charitable construction for eternity, according to tradition. Tripadvisor
Besides, a 2023 scholarly paper confirms that mosque of Ibn Saadoun is one of the few surviving Ottoman mosques that preserve the authentic architectural style of the town.(journals.univ-batna.dz)
Therefore, the mosque is one of the oldest and most important in the religious sites in Blida.
Architectural Features of Mosque of Ibn Saadoun
Covering an area of 258 m², this mosque can hold almost 800 worshippers, according to a philatelic blog that appreciates its architectural emptiness with essence. (timbredujura.blogspot.com)
Inside, the hall consists of 5 rows of pillars, with 4 aisles. The capitals of these pillars are a mimic of the Great Mosque of Constantine and the Kalaa of Beni Hammad.
A square minaret, which is the mosque’s only architectural singularity, features a facade with a slight Maghrebi and Moorish style, which is a bit dull.
A travel mapping site confirms the mosque’s location on Rue Abdellah, close to the old Blida synagogue and Mosquée El Hanafi. (Mapcarta)
Mosque Ibn Saadoun in the Urban Context
The mosque can be found near rue Abdellah in the old part of the city of Blida closer to other sites of religious significance which show the variety of culture in this location.
Blida has an urban character that has been shaped by the waves of refugees from the different parts of the andalusian, ottoman planning, and the overlays of the french colonization. From all these layers, Mosque Ibn Saadoun is an important foothold of the ottoman period which has surrounded the city.
In addition to this, it is found in detail in many of the lists of mosques established in Algeria which include the mosques of ottoman architectural style, which shows its importance historically.
Cultural Significance of Mosque Ibn Saadoun
Mosque Ibn Saadoun, unlike other buildings, is a relic of architecture. There is a connection to the faith of the community and there is a memory surrounding the continuity of the community. It links the present to the past. Its design shows a rich Islamic heritage, while its decoration shows humble simplicity. The architecture narrates the history of the city of Blida, including the Ottoman period and the spirituality in the identity of the city of Blida.