Djenné

Djenné

General Information
Name	Djenné
Native Name	ߘߋ߬ߣߍ߫
Other Names
Settlement Type	Town
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	13°54 N°4
Map
Population
Total	32,944
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Djenné is a town and an urban commune in the Mopti Region of Mali. It is one of the oldest known towns in sub-Saharan Africa, with a history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Djenné is renowned for its distinctive Sudano-Sahelian architecture, particularly the Great Mosque of Djenné, which is the largest mud-brick building in the world.

History

Djenné was founded between 850 and 1200 AD by the Bozo people, who were later joined by the Soninke. The town became a major center of trade and learning, particularly during the Mali Empire and the Songhai Empire. Djenné's strategic location on the Bani River, a tributary of the Niger River, facilitated its role as a hub for the trans-Saharan trade routes.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Djenné was a center of Islamic scholarship, attracting scholars from across the Muslim world. The town's prosperity was closely linked to the trade in gold, salt, and slaves.

Architecture

Djenné is famous for its unique Sudano-Sahelian architecture, characterized by the use of sun-baked mud bricks and wooden beams. The most iconic structure in Djenné is the Great Mosque of Djenné, originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed in 1907. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.

The town's architecture is maintained through an annual festival known as the "Crepissage de la Grande Mosquée," during which the entire community participates in the re-plastering of the mosque with mud.

Economy

Historically, Djenné's economy was based on trade, particularly in gold, salt, and slaves. Today, the town's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with rice being the main crop. Djenné is also a center for the production of traditional crafts, including pottery and textiles.

Tourism is an important part of the local economy, with visitors attracted by the town's historical and architectural significance.

Culture

Djenné is a vibrant cultural center, with a rich tradition of music, dance, and oral storytelling. The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating its Islamic heritage and traditional customs.

The people of Djenné are predominantly Muslim, and the town is known for its Islamic schools, or madrasas, which continue to attract students from across West Africa.

Also see

• Great Mosque of Djenné
• Mali Empire
• Songhai Empire
• Sudano-Sahelian architecture
• Mopti Region