A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Djerbinger mosque in Mali is one of Africa’s most famous landmarks. It is the biggest adobe / mud brick mosque in the planet. It is often referred to as the Great Mosque.
Location and How to Get There
The mosque is situated in Djenne, Mali. It is close to the Bani River plain. Because it is the home of the mosque and a prime tourist attraction, several buses and minibuses can take you there. Most of the major airlines also have direct flights to the country.
What to See There
The walls of the mosque are constructed from ferey, a type of sun baked mud brick. The smooth look of the edifice is made possible by mud plaster. The walls are laden with toron. These are rodier palm sticks that hang 2 ft (60 cm) off the surface.
There are also ceramic half-pipes on the roofline. The whole edifice is set on a 75 m x 75 m (245 ft x 245 ft) platform. This is 3 meters (9 ft) over the marketplace level.
History
The present mosque dates from 1907. However, an older mosque was built on the site in the 13th century. It was in 1906 that the town administration decided to rebuild the original mosque. The front wall has two tombs. One of them is the resting place of an important 18th century imam. The edifice has also been fitted with a loudspeaker.
In 1996, Vogue magazine conducted a fashion shoot within the Djerbinger mosque in Mali. When images of the scantily dressed women appeared, the local populace was outraged. That is the reason why foreigners are no longer allowed to enter the place.
Cost
Due to economic issues and inflation, the costs of staying in the city will vary. On the average though, the daily food cost is CFA 3,500.00. For daily transportation, it is around CFA 325.00. If you are interested in going on a cruise, the cost is CFA 20,000.00.
Other Info
The mosque is revered by the entire community. They all participate in the site’s preservation. This is made possible by a yearly festival. The event includes food and music. But the primary purpose is to repair damages caused by climate change. Days prior to the festival, the repair materials are prepared ahead of time.
The Djerbinger mosque in Mali may be viewed from the outside anytime. However, foreigners are not allowed inside the edifice.
