Mali's Great Mosque of Djenné

The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali is one of the world’s largest stone structures built entirely from sun-baked mud bricks. Constructed in the 13th century, it exemplifies Sudano-Sahelian architecture with its distinctive adobe walls, wooden scaffolding, and towering pinnacles. Its design reflects both Islamic religious traditions and local building techniques, serving as a vital spiritual, cultural, and community center. The mosque is maintained through an annual festival where the community repairs and replasters its surface, highlighting its importance as a living, evolving symbol of Mali’s history and identity.