The Great Mosque of Djenné
Explore one of Africa's most famous buildings, the Great Mosque of Djenné. This sacred place in Mali, Africa is the largest mud and brick structure in the world.
About the exhibit
This story is part of the Sacred Places exhibit at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where you’ll get a glimpse into dozens of faith communities around the world. Visit the exhibit's website to learn more about the mosque or to explore other sites.
Praying at The Great Mosque of Djenné (2019) by Instruments4AfricaChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What is this place?
Followers of the Islamic faith, called Muslims, have been worshiping at the Great Mosque for more than 100 years. Nearly every year, the entire community plasters the mosque to protect it from heavy rain.
Where is this place?
The Great Mosque is located in Djenné, Mali. Mali is located in West Africa, south of the Sahara desert.
Trade Routes (2019) by Instruments4AfricaChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
How did Islam come to Djenné?
Islam originated in the Middle East and came to Djenné through merchants traveling along the trans-Saharan trade route during the 13th to the 17th centuries CE. Over time, Djenné became a center of Islamic study in the region, drawing scholars from across the Islamic world.
A Minaret at The Great Mosque of Djenné (2019) by Aboubacar Traore, Instruments4AfricaChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What makes this a sacred place?
The Great Mosque of Djenné is an Islamic place of worship. Prayer, both alone and in groups, is an important part of the Islamic faith. From the minarets at the top of the mosque, Muslims are called to ritual prayer five times each day.
The Great Mosque of Djenné (2019) by Aboubacar Traore, Instruments4AfricaChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
How long has this place been sacred?
Muslims have been worshipping in Djenné for centuries. The first mosque built on this site is believed to have been built in the 13th century CE, and the mosque that stands today was built in 1907.
Young Woman Reads from Quran (2019) by Aboubacar Traore, Instruments4AfricaChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What is the Quran?
Muslims worship God, whom they call Allah, which means “the God.” They believe that the Prophet Muhammad fulfilled the will of Allah by reciting the laws, teachings, and practices of Islam in the Quran, the sacred book of Islamic faith.
Replastering The Great Mosque of Djenné (2019) by Instruments4AfricaChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What do people do at this place?
At the Great Mosque, Muslims pray and study the Quran. Every year, the entire community comes together for the Crépissage, which means “plastering.” During this event, they add a new layer of banco, a special mud, to the Great Mosque to protect it from seasonal storms.
Thank you to Paul Chandler, Mohamed Dayfour Diawara, and Instruments4Africa, Aïssata Guitteye, Nouhoum Toure, Alpha Moye Dieyde, Sekou Dembele, the clergy and congregation of the Great Mosque of Djenné, and CyArk.
Sacred Places is made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc.
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