The aesthetics of the ottoman srchitectural heritage in Algeria The Katchaoua Mosque as a model

Architectural heritage is an important part of the overall cultural heritage, as the architectural heritage plays a major role in preserving the identity and authenticity of the nation. The Ottoman architecture is the culmination of the development of Islamic architecture. The strength of the Ottoman Empire and its success in extending its influence to lands on the three continents contributed to the spread of Ottoman architecture. Algeria was among the most important countries that influenced by Ottomans since it ruled by them for more than three centuries (1514 to 1830). The Ottomans rule witnessed new developments in the art and architecture in Algeria by constructing many architectural buildings with a very distinctive and beautiful designs. The Kechaoua Mosque in the city of Algiers near the Kasbah district is an icon of Islamic architecture and culture in Algeria with its unique architectural style notwithstanding the religious and scientific roles. The mosque was targeted by the French occupation, as the French transformed it into a church and modified some of its urban aspects, such as placing a tower in its south end to carry the bell, known as the bell tower. They also removed some of its Islamic architectural features or sought to obliterate them, but the mosque regained its identity after liberation to return as an important landmark for Algeria and Islamic architecture despite all the attempts to destroy it. Today, this mosque can be the centerpiece of a very active tourism movement that may provoked sustainable development. This research follows three main tracks: researching the historical development of this mosque through its periods Ottoman, French and contemporary phases. As for the second track, is the aesthetic study that describe its architectural uniqueness and its aesthetic merits. The third track aims to alert to the possibilities that this mosque can provide today to achieve sustainable development by employing this unique architectural effect for tourism goals; Its wealthy ancient history: Ottoman, French, Islamic, can make it a point of attraction for large numbers of tourists with different interests. Including what is related to the cultural aspect and achieving intellectual communication with the tourists, as well as what this mosque can provide for the field Islamic architecture to enrich our knowledge of the subject, starting from this rare masterpiece.