Old Dondoli Central Mosque (2021) by Nubuke FoundationOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation
A vanishing legacy
The crumbling old Dondoli Mosque reflects the challenges of preserving traditional architecture in Ghana. The Sudano-Sahelian architectural style mud mosques once dotted the landscape in Ghana and Sahel region but their legacy is quickly vanishing.
Old Dondoli Central Mosque (2021) by Nubuke FoundationOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation
The old Dondoli Mosque
The 19th-century Dondoli Mosque on the outskirts of Wa, Ghana's Upper West Region stands as a testament to the region's rich Islamic heritage and architectural craftsmanship. Its unique Sudano-Sahelian style is a captivating sight before it dilapidated.
Old Dondoli Central Mosque (2021) by Nubuke FoundationOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation
Dondoli's Islamic heritage
Dondoli was established by the Old Muslims, who form one segment of the triadic authority in Wa, overseeing the roles of Wa Limam (imam al-balad) and Wa Friday Limam (imam al-juma῾a).
Old Dondoli Central Mosque (2021) by Nubuke FoundationOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation
A shared architectural heritage
The Dondoli Mosque's design reflects a shared architectural tradition with mosques in Kong, Côte d'Ivoire, and similar structures in Ghana, such as the Nakore mosque and Wa Naa Palace.
Old Dondoli Central Mosque (2021) by Nubuke FoundationOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation
Endangered heritage
The Dondoli Mosque is one of the mud mosques that are being lost in the northern parts of Ghana. As the population increases and new building materials are introduced, the Dondoli mud mosque is no longer utilized.
The lost Dondoli mud mosque serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of modernization. Efforts to document, restore, and maintain these architectural treasures are crucial to ensuring that they are not lost to future generations.
Photos: Isaac Gyamfi
Project manager: Kwabena Agyare Yeboah
Field assistant: Philip Soonti
Research, Text & Curatorial Support: Jemima Adansi and Abiodun Ayoola
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.