Djamaâ El Djazaïr Facilitates Lifesaving Medevac Operation: Civil Protection Helicopter Transfers Crash Victim from Ouled Djellal to Algiers

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

In a high-stakes emergency intervention, Algeria’s Grand Mosque served as a critical medical evacuation hub, enabling swift airlift and hospital transfer for a severely injured road accident victim.

Algiers, Algeria | May 12th, 2025 — In a decisive display of coordinated emergency response and institutional synergy, Djamaâ El Djazaïr—the Grand Mosque of Algiers—played a pivotal role in a lifesaving medical evacuation on Thursday, serving as a helicopter landing site for a critically injured road accident victim.

The operation, executed under the direct supervision of the Civil Protection Unit of Djamaâ El Djazaïr in collaboration with the Air Group of the Algerian Civil Protection, ensured the rapid and secure transfer of a severely injured individual involved in a major road accident in the province of Ouled Djellal.

According to Civil Protection sources, the intervention began at the site of the accident, where specialized teams assessed the victim’s condition and coordinated with aerial units for urgent medical evacuation. A helicopter was swiftly deployed to transport the victim over several hundred kilometers to Algiers.

The aircraft landed at the designated helipad within the open space of Djamaâ El Djazaïr, a monumental structure that, beyond its religious and cultural significance, is now proving to be a key logistical asset in emergency operations. The strategic positioning and infrastructure of the mosque enabled an immediate transition from air to ground medical care.

Upon landing, the patient was promptly transferred to a waiting ambulance and rushed to Mustapha Pacha University Hospital, one of the capital’s top medical institutions, where he is currently receiving specialized care.

This high-level intervention highlights the growing integration of advanced rescue logistics and state infrastructure, as Algeria continues to develop a responsive and modern civil protection system. The use of Djamaâ El Djazaïr in such critical operations underscores its multifaceted role in serving the community—not only as a place of worship and knowledge, but as a functional public service hub during times of crisis.

Djamaâ El Djazaïr: A Modern Bastion of Religious and Cultural Integrity

Djamaâ El Djazaïr, located in the heart of Algiers within the Mohammadia commune, stands as a prominent symbol of religious and cultural significance. Renowned for its modernist interpretation of Islamic architecture, the mosque serves not only as the largest in Africa but also as the third largest globally, following Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.

Architecturally, Djamaâ El Djazaïr represents a fusion of modernist design with traditional Andalusian influences. Its structure features intricate geometric patterns and elaborate decorations crafted from wood, marble, and alabaster. The mosque’s interior is adorned with six kilometers of Koranic text rendered in Arabic calligraphy, complemented by turquoise prayer mats that enhance the spiritual ambiance.

Spanning 27.75 hectares, the mosque’s prayer hall is expansive, covering over 2 hectares and accommodating up to 120,000 worshipers. This vast hall, shaped like a massive cube approximately 145 meters on each side and standing 22.5 meters high, integrates religious elements such as the Qibla wall, Mihrab, and Minbar within a contemporary aesthetic framework.

The mosque’s minaret is a standout feature, recognized as the tallest in the world at 265 meters. Equipped with elevators, it provides sweeping views of Algiers and the Bay of Algiers, resembling a skyscraper in its scope. The minaret houses several public amenities, including the Museum of Algerian History, two research centers, and a public viewing platform at its pinnacle.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the mosque complex encompasses a range of cultural and educational facilities. These include a Quranic house, an Islamic cultural center, a library, a museum of Islamic art and history, research centers, and an Imam School. These amenities underscore the mosque’s role as a hub for religious, social, and cultural engagement.

The mosque also features an expansive outdoor plaza, administrative offices, underground parking for 6,000 vehicles, green spaces, and retail outlets distributed across 12 independent buildings. Notably, it is equipped with a sophisticated anti-seismic system designed to absorb over 70% of earthquake forces, ensuring structural resilience.

In essence, Djamaâ El Djazaïr epitomizes modern Islam, blending educational, cultural, and social functions with a steadfast commitment to combating extremism and fostering religious tolerance. Its design and facilities reflect Algeria’s dedication to advancing both spiritual and intellectual growth within a framework of modernity and resilience.