1st Track : Evolution of Mosque Architecture through the Ages
Role/Contribution
The role and contribution of this research are to highlight the disparities in the design and accessibility of prayer spaces for women in Algerian mosques, specifically in the city of Sétif. By examining legislative standards and conducting a comparative analysis of women’s and men’s spaces, this study reveals significant gaps in accessibility, comfort, and usability for female worshippers. Its purpose is not only to document these differences but also to raise awareness among urban planners, religious authorities, and community leaders about the importance of inclusive and high-quality architectural spaces for women in mosques. Ultimately, this research advocates for changes that encourage young women to participate actively in mosque activities, recognizing their role as future mothers and community members.
Research paper Title
Rethinking Women's Spaces in Algerian Mosques
Personal Biography
Dr. Amina Haouche is currently an ASSISTANT PROFESSOR at, the Department of Architecture, Algiers University 1 . Her primary interests lie in architecture, urban planning, and city professions. With 20 years of experience, she also works as a project lead architect alongside her responsibilities as a teaching researcher at the university. She earned her PhD in Architecture in December 2023 and has numerous publications and scientific communications to her credit. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling.
Paper Abstract
In Algeria, mosques serve as multifaceted spaces beyond their primary function as places of worship; they act as community hubs where religious, social, and cultural activities converge. The construction of these mosques relies heavily on the aspirations and philanthropy of specific benefactors, often managed by religious organizations or private individuals. Architecturally, newly built mosques are characterized by iconic domes and minarets, which stand out on the skyline and display intricate ornamentation and symbolic motifs, highlighting their cultural and spiritual significance. This focus on aesthetics and symbolism often takes precedence over purely practical considerations, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of architectural craftsmanship intertwined with religious expression in Algerian society.
This study aims to examine the reality of the women’s prayer space in the city of Sétif, specifically how the design and layout of this space meet users' needs for religious practices. It assesses the arrangement of prayer areas, the separation between spaces for men and women, capacity, and the flow of movement within the mosque. Functionality is evaluated in terms of accessibility, comfort, and the space's capacity to support collective prayer practices. To address this issue, a review of Algerian legislation concerning mosque spaces since independence was conducted, along with a typological study comparing women's prayer spaces to men’s within the same mosque.
The study revealed that, while the women’s prayer space complies with the requirements of a joint ministerial decree from May 29, 2022—which specifies construction standards for mosques regarding surface area and equipment—it remains inferior to the men’s space in several aspects, including location, accessibility for those with reduced mobility, floor height, entrance visibility, and the quality of lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning. Additionally, the women’s space is only open for Friday prayers and remains closed for the five daily prayers.
This research aims not merely to compare men’s and women’s prayer spaces but to raise awareness among city stakeholders about the need for high-quality architectural spaces for women, encouraging young women, as future mothers, to attend the mosque.
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