Publication details
Trans-Mediterranean Piety or Architecture of Domination? Using ‘Neo-Byzantine’ Style in Northern Africa (1830-1900)
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | Built between 1858 and 1872 under French colonial rule, the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa overlooks the northern slopes of the Bay of Algiers. It is built in the “Romano-Byzantine” style, reminiscent of similar buildings on the other side of the Mediterranean, namely in Marseille. Presented today as a symbol of religious tolerance, the basilica was commissioned by Catholic prelates who fully embraced the French colonial policies and strongly preached for the conversion of the local Muslim populations to Catholicism. This contribution wishes to understand specifically how “Romano-Byzantine” historicist architecture was used to materialize the link between ancient Christianism on French soil and in Northern Africa against the backdrop of contemporary church and colonial politics. |
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