Mohamed el-Kebir

Mohamed ben Othman, universally known as 'Mohamed El Kebir' (The Great), was appointed Bey of the Western Beylik in 1779. An exceptional military strategist, urban reformer, and statesman, he dedicated his life to the grand national goal of liberating the historic ports of Oran and Mers El Kébir from long-standing Spanish occupation.

Following an intense military blockade and protracted negotiations after the 1790 Oran earthquake, Mohamed El Kebir triumphantly entered Oran in March 1792, ending Spanish presence. He transformed Oran into his new capital, building the majestic Bey Mohamed El Kebir Mosque, the Palace of the Bey in the Casbah, revitalizing port defenses, and restoring civic prosperity throughout western Algeria.