The Architecture of Proximity Mosques Legislation Vs Field: the Contribution of a Digital Platform (Case of El Oued Mosques)

Abstract

This research primarily focuses on legislation regarding mosque construction and the architectural typologies of proximity mosques established by religious associations in Algeria. This study aligns with the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs regarding the stylistic and architectural choices for mosques. Notably, an inter- ministerial order was promulgated in 2022 that sets forth national specifications for the construction of all mosques in Algeria. The mosque, as a pivotal space for Muslim worship, has been the subject of extensive scholarly inquiry, including historical, architectural, and anthropological studies. In Algeria, the architectural typology of both national and regional mosques has been meticulously examined by expert architects and design firms. In contrast, many proximity mosques, often constructed by religious associations, exhibit random or even fanciful designs that deviate significantly from the official guidelines provided by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs. In light of this context, our fieldwork conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on mosques in the El Oued Wilaya, an area notable for its domed structures. This research enables us to identify and analyse the architectural components of proximity mosques while shedding light on other significant elements. The extensive field data collected, along with existing inventories that had previously remained underutilized, inspired the development of a flexible analytical platform. The field data were thoroughly studied and analysed using this platform. The digitized data generated through this research can be leveraged to address gaps in the legislations that administer mosque construction in Algeria. This thesis is organized into two primary sections: the first focuses on the legislative framework related to mosques, including diachronic studies, previous inventory efforts, and the design of the analytical platform. The second section concentrates on the field study and digital platform exploitation