Inventorying vernacular mosque architecture: a cultural heritage mapping approach in the Oued Righ Region, Algeria

Algeria displays territorial diversity, reflected in a wide variety of architectural styles. The mosques in the Saharan regions are characterised by their vernacular styles, which have not yet been the subject of in-depth study. This article examines the architecture of these mosques in the Oued Righ region, located in South-eastern Algeria. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining historical methods, cultural heritage mapping, analytical typology, and comparison. Data collection was based on site visits, a systematic review of the literature, non-directive individual interviews, and archival research. The findings enabled the development of a cultural heritage mapping, through which the vernacular mosques of the Oued Righ were inventoried. These mosques are closely linked to the historical, social, and environmental context of the region. They followed the principles of Arab mosque design. Limestone, mud brick, and timchent are the principal building materials. The study highlights stylistic similarities between the mosques of the Oued Righ and those of the Souf region. The ksar of Tamacine shows exogenous influences that have enriched its mosques and the cultural landscape of the Oued Righ.