Great Mosque of Djenné

Djenné, Mopti Region, Mali

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The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali is the largest mud-brick building in the world and an iconic symbol of West African architecture. Located on the floodplain of the Bani River in the ancient trading city of Djenné, the mosque originally dates back to the 13th century but the current structure was completed in 1907.

Built entirely out of sun-dried mud bricks (adobe), sand, and rice husks, its striking design features prominent towers, vertical buttresses, and rows of palm wood beams called toron that also serve as scaffolding for annual repairs.

The tops of the minarets are decorated with ostrich eggs, a traditional symbol of fertility and purity. The mosque is the centerpiece of the community, serving not just as a place of worship, but as a site for gatherings and an annual festival known as "Crépissage," when the local population comes together to re-plaster and maintain the structure. Its thick earthen walls keep the interior cool, and its large prayer hall and courtyard can accommodate many worshippers. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, the Great Mosque of Djenné stands as a testament to the ingenuity of local building traditions and the importance of communal cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. The mosque is admired around the world for its beauty and historical significance, reflecting both the religious and social life of the Djenné community.