Rebuilt Every Spring: The Great Mosque of Djenné
Can you imagine a building that offers the opportunity to strengthen social bonds? In fact, some mosques do so by displaying the selfless efforts of people who made them the masterpiece they are. Although such examples are found in various places, the one we’re viewing today is completely unique. We will be exploring the Great Mosque of Djenne.
Located in Mali, the mosque is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it is enthroned by everyone who knows about its history, and for good reason!
The great Mosque of Djenné is structured quite differently from anything we are familiar with in the Middle East and Europe. With a total capacity of 50.000 people, the mosque’s appearance is truly one of a kind.
Let’s get to the bright side
Mud layers of the mosque melt bit by bit, every time it rains. Despite how unfortunate it seems, there is a silver lining to the story. The unique case of Djenné led to the creation of ‘Mud Day’: a beautiful tradition that gathers people around the mosque every spring. On this day, the young and the old, the rich and the poor, all men and women get together to put a new layer of mud on the walls of the mosque. Each additional layer of mud multiplies its vitality while preserving the mosque’s original distinctiveness. So the essential aspect of the event is how it defeats discrimination and raises social awareness in a fun environment.
The Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali. Source: https://iqna.ir/az/news/3482468/700-yaşı-olan-palçıqdan-məscidMore importantly, what we normally regard as “destruction” transforms into “conservation” here in Djenné.
