Burkina Faso: Bobo-Dioulasso – Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso should be a UNESCO World Heritage site! It is one of the most significant and architecturally distinctive mosques in West Africa, truly spectacular! It was constructed in the late 19th century, around 1880, built during the reign of King Koumbatingue, the ruler of Sya, with the assistance of Islamic traders from the across the Sahel region. The mosque is a prime example of Sudanese religious architecture, a style characterized by the use of mudbrick and wood – its distinctive features include tall, tapering towers with wooden beams (known as torons) protruding from the walls. These beams provide structural support and are used as scaffolding during annual replastering (the mud gets periodically washed out by the rains). The mosque looks stunning at sunset, lit by the soft glow of the setting sun. There is an observation platform to see the entire structure. You are allowed to enter inside as well and see the rows upon rows of carpeted praying areas. And we even got to meet the mosque’s imam!
