Djenne
Mali
By Casey Lewis
A Bit to Know.
Djenne is the oldest city in sub-saharan Africa, it was built in 250 B.C.E. It is rich with salt and gold mines. Every monday, in the center of town there is a colorful market where vendors sell items like foods and household goods. Djenne designated a World Heritage Site in 1988, it is famous for its mud-brick architecture.
Location
The town of Djenne is located in southern Mali. There are two rivers that flood the city, the Niger and the Bani. Djenne is located north of the Guinea Rainforest.
Bani River
People unloading goods on the Bani River.
Nager River
Boys boating on the Nager River.
Location
History
In 800 A.D. merchants and traders founded the city of Djenne. The city started out as a meeting place for traders and then became the most important trade center in Mali. Djenne would trade with Africa, Maghreb, and Europe.
Muslims in Djenne
Djenne is home to many Muslims, its where they learn and pray. Muslim men have to pray in the mosque five times every day. Muslim women do not but can pray at home if the choose. 90% of Mali's people are Muslims. A lot of Muslims traveled to Djenne to learn at its mosque
The Great Mosque
The reason so many Muslims live in Djenne is because of its mosque, an architectural wonder of Africa. The mosque is the largest mud building in the world, with five stories to prove it. The first mosque was built by Koi Kunboro, in 1240 A.D., he converted to Islam and turned his palace into a mosque. It was destroyed. The second mosque was built in 1830 A.D. It was also destroyed. The current mosque, was constructed in 1906 A.D. and took a year to complete.
Mosque
This is the Great Mosque in Djenne. In front of it there is a large market.
Making Mud Bricks
This is what the mud bricks look like when they're being made.
Inside The Great Mosque of Djenne
Inside the mosque it is ver bright and colorful.