Mosque of Djenné

mosque, Djenné, Mali

Also known as: Grand Mosque

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The Great Mosque of Djenné, located in Mali, is the world's largest mud-construction building and a prime example of Sudanese and Sahelian architecture. Situated in the ancient trading city of Djenné, which became a center for Muslim scholarship, the mosque was rebuilt in 1906–07. Djenné itself, likely founded between the 8th and 13th centuries, was a vital trade hub connecting Sudanic traders with those of Guinea's tropical forests. The city and its significant historical sites, including the Great Mosque, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.12

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Djenné
…in the city is the Great Mosque, which is the largest mud construction in the world and recognized as an outstanding example of Sudanese and Sahelian architecture. Also of note are tombs of saints and traditional structures made from round mud bricks known as djénné ferey.
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…in the city is the Great Mosque, which is the largest mud construction in the world and recognized as an outstanding example of Sudanese and Sahelian architecture. Also of note are tombs of saints and traditional structures made from round mud bricks known as djénné ferey.
Read More

Mali
Settlement patterns
The Djenné mosque, the epitome of Sudanese architecture, is the largest mud building in the world. Timbuktu (founded about 1100 ce) was a center of commerce and learning during the time of the Mali (13th–16th century) and Songhai (15th–16th century) empires; later, trans-Saharan trade declined in…
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The Djenné mosque, the epitome of Sudanese architecture, is the largest mud building in the world. Timbuktu (founded about 1100 ce) was a center of commerce and learning during the time of the Mali (13th–16th century) and Songhai (15th–16th century) empires; later, trans-Saharan trade declined in…
Read More