Old Towns of Djenné
Unesco World Heritage

Location on Map

Old Towns of Djenné

The Old Towns of Djenné, located in the Djenné Circle, Region of Mopti in Mali, are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for their exceptional architectural and cultural significance. Djenné, the largest of the towns, is home to the famous Great Mosque, a masterpiece of Sudano-Sahelian architecture and a symbol of the region's rich history.

History

The history of the Old Towns of Djenné dates back to the 3rd century BCE when the region was inhabited by the Bozo people. Over time, the area became a center of trade and Islamic scholarship, attracting merchants and scholars from across West Africa and the Arab world. The towns flourished during the 13th to 17th centuries as important trading posts along the trans-Saharan trade routes.

The Great Mosque of Djenné, constructed in the 13th century, stands as a testament to the region's Islamic heritage. Built entirely of sun-dried mud bricks, the mosque is a remarkable example of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, characterized by its distinctive minarets and torons (wooden beams). The annual maintenance of the mosque, known as the "Crepissage," is a community event where the local population comes together to repair the mosque's mud plaster, ensuring its preservation.

Current State

The Old Towns of Djenné face numerous challenges that threaten their preservation and integrity. The region's vulnerability to flooding, due to its location on the floodplain of the Niger River, poses a significant risk to the mud-brick structures. The annual flooding and subsequent erosion weaken the buildings, requiring constant maintenance and repair.

Additionally, the use of modern construction materials and techniques in recent years has led to the deterioration of traditional building practices. The introduction of cement and concrete has resulted in the loss of traditional knowledge and skills necessary for the maintenance of the mud-brick architecture.

Efforts have been made to address these challenges and safeguard the Old Towns of Djenné. The Djenné Conservation Project, initiated in the 1980s, focuses on the preservation and restoration of the historic buildings. The project involves training local masons in traditional construction techniques and raising awareness among the local population about the importance of their cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the Malian government, in collaboration with UNESCO and other international organizations, has implemented measures to mitigate the impact of flooding. These include the construction of protective dikes and the establishment of a monitoring system to assess the risk of flooding and erosion.

The Old Towns of Djenné continue to be a vibrant cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world. The annual Festival of the Crepissage, held during the dry season, celebrates the unique architectural heritage of the region and serves as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.

Despite the challenges they face, the Old Towns of Djenné remain a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people who built them. Their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list ensures their recognition and protection, preserving their legacy for future generations.