Explore Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad From Algeria

Understand Beni Hammad's Architecture in Brief

The north wall has a minaret in the centre, while the east and west sides have public entrances that lead onto the mosque courtyard. The huge Sahn, which is bordered by arcaded galleries, leads to the huge prayer hall, which is split into a grid of 13 wide and eight bays deep by columns.

The town includes a 7 km-long line of walls. Inside the walls are four residential complexes, and the largest mosque built in Algeria after that of Mansurah. It is similar to the Grand Mosque of Kairouan, with a tall minaret (20 m). If it were not demolished in the past, the Qalat Beni Hammad Mosque (Fort) would be one of the largest structures of Algeria.

Other Things to Mark at Beni Hammad Village

Qasr al Manar

The Qasr al Manar which is also famous as the Castle of the Beacon Light is another architecturally important structure located inside Qalat Beni Hammad city. The Qasr al Manar is a large defensive structure on the outskirts of a cliff with a view of the South Hodna Plateau.

The fort also features a large hallway with an upper domed ceiling that opens onto a roof terrace. The Qasr al-Manar was designed in previous times for the lodgings of colonial functions, although essentially a military structure.

2. Dal al-Bahr

Four palaces are in the town, each of which features asymmetric plans. The palaces were largely designated as the spaces for an intellectual, artistic and political chat in the city during the Hammadid era. There are three separate residences, separated by gardens and pavilions, in the remains of the Emir Palace known as Dal al-Bahr.

3. Qasr al Mulk

The Qasr al Mulk is also known as the Qasr al-Bahr. It is the largest palace in town and is used as the main royal residence. The Qasr al-Bahr comes from the huge Bahr or artificial sea, built to the east of the buildings in the palace. It was widely utilised as the venue of extravagant sailing exercises, sporting activities and stage shows in the eleventh century.

A wealth of additional artefacts discovered here are currently on display in the museums of Setif, Constantine and Algiers.

All of the structures that can be seen today at the Qalat Bani Hammad has only remained as unroofed foundations of demolished constructions. The minaret of the Qalat's great mosque is the only construction that has survived beyond the remains of a plan at ground level.

Important Facts of this Historical City

Carved marble water channels, parts of frescoes within palaces, ceramic pottery, marble sculptures, crystal and glassware are among the works of art. Carved stone friezes, carved stone and plaster muqarnas, and multicoloured tiles made with varied artisanal techniques are among the architectural relics.

Fatimid Egypt, Samarra, Aghlabid Kairouan, and Andalusian Spain are among the aesthetic influences revealed in the found artefacts. The diversity and scope of the decorative pieces discovered during excavation further demonstrate the Hammadid capital's artistic richness and multiculturalism.

Who is Managing this Heritage Site

The site is protected under National Law 98-04, which governs the preservation of historical structures. The Office of Cultural Properties Management and Exploitation is in charge of the site's management.

Although this heritage site is rarely visited -by tourists so there are no threats and thus tourism does not face a sustainability hazard. But you can pay a visit to this historic site by taking permission from the government.

How to Reach

The site is not difficult to reach, though it may be necessary to hitchhike the final few kilometres from the N40 to Beni Hammad. We recommend a visit to anyone interested in seeing something representative of Islamic culture after visiting the numerous Roman sites in Algeria.

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