The Imam el-Houari Mosque (مسجد سيدي الهواري), also known as the Mosque of Bey Mohamed Othman El-Kébir (مسجد الباي محمد عثمان الكبير), is a historic mosque in Oran, Algeria. Built in 1799 under the orders of Bey Mohammed Ben Othmane, it stands in the heart of the Sidi El-Houari district and is named after the city’s patron saint, Sidi al-Houari.

The mosque’s most well-preserved feature is its minaret, constructed in 1793. An inscription on a marble plaque embedded in its base records the year and credits its founder: “… ordered the construction of this minaret … Mohammed Ben Othmane, Bey of the western province of Tlemcen … in the year 1207 [Islamic calendar].”

During the early years of the French occupation, the mosque was repurposed as a military hospital. When it was later returned to the Muslim community, its prayer hall was rebuilt, though it lacked distinctive architectural features. However, the minaret retained much of its original ornamentation. Its square base and decorative motifs are reminiscent of the medieval mosques of Tlemcen, known for their intricate geometric patterns.

The minaret’s decoration varies by side. On the north and south, the pattern forms a trilobed arch resting on two arches, while the east and west sides display a lambrequin arch supported by four arches. This unique design, where adjacent sides feature different decorations, is also seen in the Agadir Minaret and the Sidi Bu Medyan minaret in Tlemcen.

In 1889, the minaret was designated a historic monument under the name Minaret du Campement. After Algeria gained independence, the mosque was officially renamed Mohammed Bey Othman El Kebir. However, it remains popularly known as Sidi al-Houari Mosque, in honor of the revered saint who died in Oran in 1439. His tomb, a significant religious site, is located just 200 meters from the mosque. Today, the minaret stands as a well-preserved architectural landmark, reflecting the rich Islamic heritage of Oran.